Butland set for Ibrox on a free transfer
JACK BUTLAND is close to agreeing a move to Rangers after showing a willingness to fit into their wage structure. The 30-year old goalkeeper, currently on loan at Manchester United from Crystal Palace, is eager to play regular football again. There were initial concerns his salary would be too expensive for the Scottish Premiership. Aware of Michael Beale’s strong desire to have him at Ibrox, however, Butland has agreed a compromise on personal terms and is nearing a switch to Glasgow. Palace are understood to retain a year’s option on his contract but Rangers hope he will join them on a free transfer. Beale has already agreed to sign Norwich playmaker Kieran Dowell and Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling for his summer rebuild. Rangers are continuing discussions with Arsenal for USA international centre-back Auston Trusty and have been in talks over a deal for Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes. Beale played down any quick acquisition of the Ecuador international, saying: ‘These things pick up speed and he’s a very good player but his contract runs till December and it’s quite a while until December.’ LAFC play the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League final against Mexican side Leon on June 4. It’s likely any agreement on a fee to sign Cifuentes this summer will have to wait until after that match. Beale, meanwhile, expressed delight at Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack agreeing a 12-month contract extension. The 31-year-old will not join the raft of summer exits having proved his continuing worth following Beale’s return to the club last November. ‘When I came back I assessed the squad — and Ryan’s a big part of the squad behind the scenes,’ said the manager. ‘He’s a national team player and a homegrown player. With a lot of the squad leaving this summer, it was important I had someone like him in the squad. ‘He’s been available for over 80 per cent of the games I’ve had. There have been a lot of questions about that, but that is the reality of what’s played out. He performed really well again last week (in the 3-0 win over Celtic) and I’m delighted he’s staying around.’ Centre-back Connor Goldson is a fitness doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Easter Road, which will see captain James Tavernier make his 400th Rangers appearance. ‘When I came in 2018 as one of the assistants, James had the captaincy and he kept it,’ reflected Beale. ‘He had become more of a captain in terms of his performances on the pitch, but around the building there were other people equal or stronger than him in personality and driving standards. ‘Now five years later, with 400 appearances and winning and losing and having around 70 games in Europe for Rangers, he is a completely different boy. He’s in a different stage of his career and life and is a different type of leader now.’