Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney could be reunited with a former England teammate as part of his first major signing for Birmingham City, according to reports.
Rooney returned to England after his managerial spell with DC United came to an end and succeeded John Eustace as Birmingham City head coach this month.
The 37-year-old former England striker failed to lead DC United to the MLS Cup play-offs and ended the MLS regular season with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC.
Rooney, who arrived at DC United after his spell with Derby County, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Championship side Birmingham City.
The former DC United and Derby boss has also recruited ex-teammates John O’Shea and Ashley Cole for his backroom coaching staff at Birmingham City.
Rooney wants Jack Butland at Birmingham City
According to The Sun, Rooney has identified Rangers shot-stopper Jack Butland as a potential signing at Birmingham City.
Butland, who is a boyhood United fan, spent the second half of last season at Old Trafford after the Red Devils signed him in a loan deal from Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old did not make a single appearance for United during his loan spell, despite being included on the bench for the Red Devils in 20 matches.
Butland’s contract with Palace expired at the end of last season and the former United man completed a move to Scottish Premiership side Rangers in the summer.
Rooney previously played alongside Butland during his time with England, with the Birmingham City boss now believed to be keen to link up with his ex-teammate.
Rooney may have to wait for Butland
The Sun added that Rooney could be forced to ‘wait’ for a move on Butland, with the former Palace player establishing himself under Rangers boss Steven Davis.
According to the newspaper, Butland would have to ‘push to leave for a small sum’ in January after his successful start to life in Scotland.
It is believed that Rangers would not be willing to lose the former England international, who has made 16 appearances this season, ‘without a proper fee.’
And Rooney’s current spending power at Birmingham City is limited until his side can offload ‘several big earners’ at the end of the current Championship campaign.
Birmingham City ‘keeper Neil Etheridge is out of contract next summer and his potential exit would free up wages at the club, as well as pave the way for Butland to arrive.
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