Crystal Palace have decided not to trigger a one-year contract extension for goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to reports.
The Englishman has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox as Michael Beale looks to fill the void left by Allan McGregor.
The Sun now say Butland's current team Palace have made the decision not to trigger a contract extension for the goalie, and that means Rangers can now press on with any transfer dealings.
Michael Beale insists fans will see a new Rangers side next season – but insists this current version was not broken despite a trophyless campaign.
Since sporting director Ross Wilson left the Ibrox club in April, the former Gers assistant coach, who took over from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst in November, has been more involved in recruitment with Norwich midfielder Kieran Dowell and Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling already joining the club, while the departures of Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander have been confirmed.
“Probably the last five or six weeks have been the busiest I’ve ever been,” said Beale. “I’m not shocked by anything in the job or demands.
“I was used to it here before but the added responsibility and added time off the pitch, managing other areas and doing recruitment, it’s been busy.
“I’m glad the end of season is here if I am honest. But we’re really in a good place. We’re waiting for one or two things to be signed off then we’ll start seeing a new Rangers team come together.
“Albeit, we’ve got over 90 points this season which, someone will tell me, but I don’t think we have done that too often in the last 15 or 20 years. When we have, we generally have won the league.”
There appeared to be more than a hint of sarcasm in Beale’s voice when he added: “Again, everything is broken at Rangers so I’m looking forward to mending it. That’s the perception, I’m not sure if that’s quite true.
“Celtic deserved to win the league this year, they were the outstanding team but our record was a strong one and I believe we’ll be adding to a very good team.”
