15 October 2023 , 11:48
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Wayne Rooney wants to bring former England teammate Jack Butland back to Birmingham City after becoming the club's new manager.
Butland, 30, joined Rangers this summer after a spell with Manchester United but came through the ranks at St Andrew's as a youngster. The goalkeeper played alongside United legend Rooney once at international level while attending multiple England camps together.
The Sun report that Butland is pondering his future in Glasgow just four months after signing for with Rangers, as manager Michael Beale was sacked two weeks ago. The Gers moved on Sunday to replace Beale with Belgian boss Philippe Clement.
Rooney wants to sign a new 'keeper in the January transfer window and is keen to capitalise on Butland's apparent uncertain future. The 30-year-old made his name at Birmingham before joining Premier League side Stoke City in 2013 for an initial £3.3million.
Butland could be swayed by the prospect of returning to St Andrew's in the Blues' bid to return to the top flight under Rooney. Last season, the nine-time capped England international joined United on loan from Crystal Palace midway through the campaign, although he failed to make a single appearance while helping Erik ten Hag's side win the Carabao Cup and secure a third-place finish.
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Rangers came calling in July after his three-year contract with Palace expired and handed him a deal until 2027. His stay would be cut short if Rooney successfully swooped, but the deal could be delayed until next summer once a number of high-earning Blues players are out of the door as part of a mass shakeup in the Midlands under new American ownership.
Have your say! Should Jack Butland leave Rangers to come back to Birmingham? Join the debate in the comments section.
Wayne Rooney already knows Jack Butland from his playing days (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)John Ruddy, 38, is currently the side's first-choice goalkeeper, with backup Neil Etheridge - understood to be on a hefty salary - rooted to the bench. Etheridge, 33, will become a free agent come June and would free up wages for someone like Butland.
Rooney has lofty ambitions in the Midlands and told a press conference during his unveiling on Thursday: "We will push for promotion this year of course. With the players we brought in during the summer, it's an ambition of ours. It’s something we will certainly push for. The goal is to get the club back to the Premier League."