Manchester United are on the verge of completing their first January signing, with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland set to arrive on loan.
According to a report by The Athletic, Jack Butland is all set to don the Manchester United jersey for the remaining period of the season and will undergo a medical before his transfer to the club.
The English goalkeeper will sign a loan deal, and it is suggested there is no option to make the move permanent upon the completion of the deal. Newcastle United recalled Martin Dubravka, leaving Manchester United thin in the goalkeeping section as Tom Heaton cannot be really trusted with the backup job.
The Red Devils had pursued Butland in the summer transfer window when they had been searching for a proper understudy to David de Gea. But they eventually went on to agree to a deal for the Slovakian goalkeeper.
Dean Henderson has been sent on loan to Nottingham Forest for the current season. And the Manchester United management feels the Englishman should continue his development with the Tricky Trees.
Manchester United are closing in on deal to sign Jack Butland as new back up goalkeeper, here we go 🔴🤝🏻 #MUFC
Final details being sorted — it’s gonna be 6 month loan move from #CPFC.
Medical already scheduled, as per @GuillerRai.
De Gea, Butland, Heaton will be the three GKs. pic.twitter.com/C9go8OfeaI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2023
Butland already has a house in Manchester from his days with Stoke City, and the 29-year-old has significant Premier League experience, which could prove to be very handy. Erik ten Hag is very particular when it comes to his playing style, and Butland’s arrival would mean the Dutch manager has already approved of his move.
A goalkeeper was not on United’s bucket list in this transfer window but Newcastle’s sudden decision came as a bit surprising. So Manchester United recently opened talks to sign Butland for the remainder of the season. And they will complete the move this week.
Crystal Palace are likely to demand a meagre loan fee, and the Red Devils will also have to bear his wages for the rest of the campaign. The Eagles are thought to be projecting some added leverage into a possible deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. But Manchester United will not entertain such offers.
The club is also close to negotiating a new deal with their Spanish number one David de Gea, as the 32-year-old is ready to extend his United stay beyond the current season with a pay cut. An announcement for Butland could be done once the player completes all the formalities, and he could be the first of a few arrivals as the Premier League outfit has also been searching for a striker to end their current crisis.
