A move back to Birmingham City for Jack Butland would be a move that would be good for the club and appealing to the player, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.
Following his appointment as Blues’ manager, Wayne Rooney is said to already be eyeing possible targets for the January transfer window. One of those he could look to make a move for is former goalkeeper Butland.
The 30-year-old started his career at St Andrew’s, before being sold to Stoke City in 2013. He has since played for a number of clubs including Crystal Palace and Manchester United before completing a free transfer move to Rangers in the summer.
Reports say that Rooney is keen to make Butland his first signing when the transfer window opens. John Ruddy is currently first choice goalkeeper, with Neil Etheridge providing cover, and it’s the age of Ruddy which Palmer feels will make a move for Butland a good one.
“Wayne Rooney is apparently looking to bring in former England colleague Jack Butland, the Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper,” the former West Brom player told Football League World. “Jack started his career at Birmingham City, Jack joined Rangers after leaving Crystal Palace when Mick Beale took charge.
“I think Jack would jump at the chance of working under Wayne, and at 30, he’s six years younger than the current experienced Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy. I don’t necessarily think Jack is a better goalkeeper than Ruddy but at 36 now, with Wayne looking to grow the club, the ages of the players will be an important factor and part of his thinking.”
Butland is the first choice with Rangers, playing a total of 16 games so far this season. He has kept a total of seven clean sheets in those matches, conceding a total of 17 goals.
