18 May 2023 , 11:18
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Manchester United are ready to double Jack Butland ’s wages to make his loan move at Old Trafford permanent.
The English goalkeeper penned a six-month deal with the Red Devils in January to provide more competition following Martin Dubravka’s January recall. He has yet to make a single appearance for the club but that has not stopped United from wanting to make the deal permanent.
Butland is out of contract at parent club Crystal Palace at the end of the campaign and would be available on a free transfer. The Eagles have not yet agreed fresh terms with the stopper so an exit appears to be the most likely route.
According to The Scottish Sun, he already has plenty of interest in his services. It is suggested that Scottish giants Rangers are interested and are ready to offer a contract.
However, the Red Devils want to retain Butland and would be willing to double any forthcoming offer from Ibrox. A deal would represent what is expected the first stage of a slight shake-up of United’s goalkeeping department.
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David de Gea is out of contract at the end of the season but is anticipated to agree fresh terms. Third choice stopper Tom Heaton also sees his deal expire next month and could bid farewell to Old Trafford for the second time.
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Dean Henderson will return from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest but is likely to be sold. It is expected that the Red Devils will be in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper - with Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel recently linked with a summer move.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on his initial loan move, Butland said: “This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent. I’m really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team.
“I’ve played against David de Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class ‘keepers, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as teammates.
“There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I’m excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions.”
It appears unlikely that Butland will see any first-team action for the Red Devils before the end of the current campaign. Erik ten Hag ’s side are still involved in a battle to secure a Champions League place - a fight that could potentially go down to the last day of the campaign.
United face Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham over their closing three fixtures of the season before taking on Man City in the FA Cup final.