Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: Dan Cook on what could force Jack Butland out of the club

|
Image for Crystal Palace: Dan Cook on what could force Jack Butland out of the club

Dan Cook has claimed on the HLTCO podcast that the potential arrival of Sam Johnstone could force Jack Butland out of Crystal Palace.

There has been a recent report from Alan Nixon that Johnstone has now agreed a deal which would see him become a Crystal Palace player after running down his West Brom contract.

While bringing in an England international with Premier League experience under this belt would be seen as a positive move by many, not everyone may welcome the arrival of Johnstone – namely Butland, who’s largely been the second-choice goalkeeper since joining the Eagles.

Cook believes that if and when Johnstone arrives at Selhurst Park, Butland could be forced out of the club.

He said: “I know that Middlesbrough have also been credited with an interest over the weekend and there’s this continuing speculation linking Jack Butland with a potential move to Rangers as well.

Will Johnstone start for Palace?

Yes!

Yes!

No!

No!

“None of those transfers or deals appears to be particularly close to being finalised, but you would assume that it will take the club officially announcing Sam Johnstone as a new goalkeeper before Jack Butland looks to force a move away.”

TIF Thoughts on Johnstone replacing Butland…

Both Johnstone and Butland are at similar stages of their careers, so that wouldn’t likely be a factor in Patrick Vieira’s decision, however, Johnstone has played a lot more Premier League football over the last few seasons compared to Butland, despite the former dropping out of the division last season.

1 of 10
Selhurst Park, Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace

Think you're the biggest Crystal Palace fan? Then who is the club's record signing?

The last time that Johnstone was turning out as a Premier League ‘keeper he managed to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad. That would suggest he has undoubted ability and talent, so moving to a seemingly comfortable Premier League side could work out very well for both player and club.

Share this article