With Martin Dubravka being recalled by Newcastle United, Manchester United are back in the market for a backup goalkeeper.
Borussia Monchengladbach's Yann Sommer had been linked in the past few weeks, but the club appear is now set to sign Jack Butland from Crystal Palace on a loan deal.
The Manchester Evening News understands that David de Gea hopes to remain at the club in the long run, so Butland will be hoping to provide competition to the Spaniard.
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But why Butland? Well, it could be United returning to a tried and tested strategy that they have deployed before.
When looking at backup keepers in the past, United have opted for Lee Grant, Tom Heaton and Dubravka. All three have caused United problems in past matches with stand-out performances when appearing for the opposition side.
Grant was a brick wall while at Stoke and Derby, Heaton weathered the storm while at Burnley and Dubravka was a safe pair of hands during previous seasons under Steve Bruce at Newcastle.
It may have been a while ago, but Butland had one of those games against United as well - during Stoke's 2-0 win in 2015.
Goals from Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic secured the win down the other end of the pitch, but Butland's heroics were essential on the defensive side to make sure the Potters got all three points against United. Notable moments included a low save against Ander Herrera's shot and also a great effort to stop Memphis Depay from pulling on back.
Butland's was touted to be England's next great stopper during his early years, but his career hasn't panned out that way and now he finds himself third choice at Palace. Hopefully a move to United can see him rediscover some of his potential as a reliable Premier League option.
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