Manchester United in talks over signing goalkeeper Jack Butland

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Manchester United are now in discussions to sign Jack Butland, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Martin Dubravka has returned to Newcastle United after his loan spell was cut short and that means that Erik ten Hag is looking for a backup goalkeeper.

The report claims that United have turned their attentions to 29-year-old Butland and that talks are already underway with the England international.

Butland’s Palace contract runs out at the end of the season, which means that United would not expect to pay much in the way of a transfer fee, with the Daily Mail claiming we want to sign him on a loan deal.

United want Butland

United actually came up against Butland in pre-season, but he was forced off in the first half of that 3-1 Red Devils win with a fractured finger.

That problem has been a major reason he is yet to make an appearance this season, and he has been named on the bench for two Palace Premier League games this term.

His homegrown status likely appeals to United as well, who also have Tom Heaton in the goalkeeping ranks, but Ten Hag clearly wants more.

Butland went to the 2018 World Cup with England and before that, he was linked with United in the summer of 2017, in case we decided to replace de Gea at that juncture.

At that time, he directly address the rumours and as per the Manchester Evening News, made his feelings clear about United.

He said: “I want to play in the Champions League and I want to win trophies.

“If it’s the right move at the right time, you never know. You always have to think about these things.

“A club like Manchester United, or whoever it may be… United are, for me, the biggest club in the world and you have to take those things in consideration.”

It remains to be seen how quickly this one moves but if Butland is Ten Hag’s preferred target, there looks to be little reason why it cannot progress at speed.

Some fans will want a more exciting January signing than a backup goalkeeper who is yet to play this season, but it always seemed likely United would look to cover themselves when Dubravka left.