JACK BUTLAND’S Rangers career is hanging in the balance as Russell Martin looks to land a new No 1.
The Ibrox boss had targeted Brighton’s Carl Rushworth for a season-long loan deal after working with the 24-year-old in a previous spell at Swansea.
3
3
SunSport understands that move now looks unlikely, with the ex-England Under-21 cap considering options elsewhere and the Seagulls offering him a new contract.
But Martin is looking at other loan alternatives just 11 days before the first leg of their Champions League qualifier with Greek side Panathinaikos.
And that casts a big question mark over ormer England cap Butland.
The 32-year-old is halfway through a four-year contract and is one of the highest paid players in the Gers squad.
Read More Football Stories
Just 12 months ago, then manager Philippe Clement claimed Butland was the only player at Ibrox not for sale.
But his form tumbled after an impressive debut season and caretaker boss Barry Ferguson dropped him for Liam Kelly at the end of last season, including both legs against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
Butland and Kelly shared duties in Sunday’s 2-2 friendly draw with Club Brugge at Ibrox and will do likewise in closed-doors games this week.
It’s believed highly-rated Rushworth had been eyed as a possible signing by Gers after Brighton knocked back a Championship loan bid.
The keeper has already had loans at five clubs in his Seagulls’ career, but has failed to shift Netherlands No 1 Bart Verbruggen.
Rushworth is frustrated at a lack of Premier League opportunities and it’s understood he will have a major say in his next loan and will only make a switch if he’s guaranteed game time.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Northern Ireland No 1 Pierce Charles was also linked, but the Owls have hiked up the asking price.
Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, Lyall Cameron, Thelo Aasgaard and Joe Rothwell have already been signed and are working with their new team-mates at a pre-season camp at English FA training HQ St George’s Park.
They could be joined over the weekend by Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama, who is closing on a £2.5million move.
Martin will also step up his clear-out during the trip south, with Robin Propper understood to be close to a departure back to former club Twente Enschede.
Meanwhile, Vaclav Cerny, who was on loan at Ibrox last season, is close to leaving German side Wolfsburg for Italian outfit Torino.
3
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
