Manchester United are in talks with Crystal Palace over the arrival of goalkeeper Jack Butland, The Telegraph reports. After the departure of Newcastle United FC loanee Martin Dúbravka, Butland is in the picture to act as reserve keeper in Erik ten Hag’s selection. His contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of this season. Another one of Manchester United’s employees, Dean Henderson is on loan with Premier League newcomers, Nottingham Forest.
On New Year’s Day, Manchester United and Newcastle United announced Dúbravka’s early return to The Magpies. A reason was not given, but it was clear that the 33-year-old Slovak had only a supporting role at Old Trafford. He was only allowed to keep goalkeeper during the League Cup victories over Aston Villa (4-2) and Burnley (2-0). He was also the stand-in for David De Gea.
Tom Heaton
With the experienced Tom Heaton, Ten Hag still has a goalkeeper at hand. Because Dean Henderson is rented to Nottingham Forest, there is still a need for a new closing post. Butland, 29, who played eight caps for England between 2012 and 2018, is seen as a good option now that he is fit again. Butland broke his finger in preparation for the current season and was sidelined until the World Cup. In the two league matches after the World Cup, he sat on the bench and Vicente Guaita was under the crossbar.
Should it come to a transfer, Butland need not have any illusions about a basic place. After all, De Gea is in good shape. And kept his goal clean against Bournemouth (3-0 win) on Tuesday evening for the eighth time this season. He has now not had to fish the ball out of the net for 299 minutes. “He played very well and made fantastic saves,” said Ten Hag afterwards. “De Gea is one of the reasons why we have so many clean sheets.”
