The latest news and speculation around Scottish football on Wednesday, March 20
Since joining Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last summer, Jack Butland has been a standout for the team. In fact, he has been so good that some were surprised that the former custodian for Crystal Palace was left out of the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s best additions of the year, and reports suggest that English Premier League teams are taking notice of his play. Rangers fans would much rather that Butland finish out his four-year deal, which is set to expire in 2027. Football Insider claims that Rangers will entertain summertime bids of about £15 million for the goalie, though.
Due to Joe Hart’s decision to end his playing career, Celtic will be searching this summer for a new starting custodian. Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool has been linked before, but his strong play in his recent first-team debut at Anfield as a stand-in for the injured Alisson may make a move more challenging, with rival English and international clubs taking notice. Ugurcan Çakır, a stopper for Trabzonspor, has also been linked to the Parkhead club; a move worth £7.5 million has been suggested for the Turkey international. However, based on remarks made in the Turkish press, it seems the 27-year-old could choose to stay at his current club. “My father instilled this love in us, so I have been a Trabzonspor fan since I was a young child,” he said to Gunebakis. “I was promoted to the A Team after a certain amount of time in the youth structure.”I raised four medals. It’s an amazing feeling for me to win a trophy at the team I support. That has always made me proud. Being our team’s captain is an amazing and noble experience. I always wanted to play for Trabzonspor since I was a young boy. My loved ones, family, and I are really proud of it.
Jimmy Thelin, the manager of Elfsborg, has apparently been removed from the shortlist of candidates to become the next Aberdeen manager. The 46-year-old Swede was recommended by the team’s German advisors and was being considered by the Dons board. However, he has stated that he wants to stay with his current club in front of the new Allsvenskan season, which begins at the end of the month. Both Mark Fotheringham and Neil Lennon have entered the race, while Michael O’Neill, the manager of Northern Ireland, has also been mentioned. The goal set by Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack is to name a new manager during the current international window in time for Saturday’s crucial relegation game against Ross County.
The news that Craig Halkett needs a knee operation has wounded hearts. Since suffering an injury during last month’s Scottish Cup victory against Airdrie, the defender has not been available. The centre back will have minor surgery to assess his knee and determine when he can resume full training, according to the Edinburgh Evening News. Hearts remain optimistic that the 28-year-old will be able to return to action this season, subject to the procedure’s results. After missing a full year due to an ACL tear, Halkett made a comeback in December and played in 11 games until being substituted out of the game in Airdrie after just 26 minutes.
