Aheed Abrar
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland being eyed by Manchester United for January arrival
Manchester United have ‘set their sights’ on Crystal Palace star Jack Butland to add reinforcements to the goalkeeping department in January, according to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Metro].
The Red Devils are in talks to acquire the 29-year-old’s services in the ongoing transfer window. At the moment, the shot-stopper’s current contract expires at the end of the season and he is free to negotiate a pre-contract.
But Erik ten Hag is desperate to add a backup for David de Gea in the squad. The Spaniard is the current number one at the club. However, the 32-year-old is currently being backed up by Tom Heaton.
The former Aston Villa star has rarely seen first-team action at the club since his move in the summer of 2021. Thus, we evidently need a number two shot-stopper.
Martin Dubravka recently departed the Manchester-based club. Newcastle United cut short the Slovakia international’s loan spell, leaving Ten Hag short on options to put in between the sticks.
Man United had signed the 33-year-old on a temporary move from the Magpies on the deadline day of the previous transfer window. Subsequently, the former Sparta Prague star made two appearances for the Red Devils, both in the Carabao Cup.
Butland has vast experience in English football. The 29-year-old made his name at Birmingham City before moving to Stoke City. The shot-stopper had a fruitful spell at the Potters but joined Palace in the summer of 2020.
At the Eagles, he has been a bit-part player. But the England international does have a few appearances under his belt for the Three Lions.
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De Gea is currently the first choice at Man United. But we evidently need to add cover for the Spaniard in the squad. It remains to be seen whether Butland is the short-term solution that the Red Devils secure in January.
