JACK BUTLAND is wanted at Birmingham by new boss Wayne Rooney.
Rooney wants to sign a keeper and former Blues discovery Butland, currently with Rangers, is his first choice — although he may have to wait for him.
Butland, 30, joined the Scottish giants on a free when he left Crystal Palace in the summer and would have to push to leave for a small sum to make the move happen in January.
And Rooney has to keep the spending in check initially — until Blues can move out several big earners when their contracts run out at the end of the season.
Former Gers boss Michael Beale talked Butland into going north of the border and Beale’s exit early this month left him pondering his future.
But he has been a success and Rangers will not want to lose him without a proper fee.
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Butland came up through the Birmingham ranks — making his senior debut in 2010 before signing for Stoke in 2013 — so helping his old club’s bid for promotion from the Championship has appeal.
Blues are looking to move out stopper Neil Etheridge, who is on a big salary, though they may have to wait until the summer before he leaves.
The Brummies also want a striker and a centre-half but must avoid crossing any EFL rules on over-spending.
Butland and Rooney played together once for England during the Birmingham boss’ playing career.
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Rooney captained and scored for the Three Lions in a 2-0 win over France in November 2015, with Butland coming on at half-time.
The pair were also both included in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the Euros in 2012.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
