Rangers look set to announce the signing of goalkeeper Jack Butland – putting Preston North End fans at ease over Freddie Woodman.
The Gers have been chasing a new goalkeeper with veteran stopper Allan McGregor now on his way out this summer.
There were fears that Rangers would be moving to sign Woodman from PNE.
The Scottish Sun reported in March that Rangers were interested in landing Woodman for around £3.5million.
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Woodman played down the Rangers rumours and PNE fans can finally breathe a huge sigh of relief over his future.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Rangers will complete the signing of goalkeeper Jack Butland very soon with a medical completed.
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Romano claims Butland to Rangers is a ‘done deal’ – ending their search for a new goalkeeper.
Woodman certainly wouldn’t be moving to Rangers as a backup to Butland so a move to Ibrox can finally be ruled out.
There may well be other interest in Woodman this summer and we could hardly blame any interested party.
Woodman was one of the top Championship goalkeepers this season and was named as PNE’s Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old is the top performer in this PNE squad and a player of his quality is bound to attract interest.
We think Woodman will end up staying this summer but there may be questions to answer in the longer-term.
Woodman is out of contract in 2025 and his value may start to decrease once he enters the final 18 months and year of his deal.
PNE can’t afford to lose assets on the cheap as they did with Ben Davies and Ben Pearson, so offers for Woodman can’t be ignored.
Rangers won’t be Woodman’s destination and the hope is that he stays with PNE for a little longer yet – but as one of North End’s few saleable assets, it’s reasonable to think a cash exit could materialise down the line.