CHERRIES are reportedly set to go head-to-head with Scottish giants Rangers for the services of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The Sun reports that Butland is high on the list of the Europa League finalists as well as Cherries.

It has been heavily rumoured that Scott Parker is keen to strengthen his goalkeeping stable ahead of Cherries’ return to the Premier League, with Newcastle United loanee Freddie Woodman returning to his parent club.

Whilst it remains to be seen if a new goalkeeper would instantly become number one ahead of starlet Mark Travers, there is a desire for the Dorset club to boost their number of senior goalkeepers.

29-year-old Butland’s stock may have dropped in recent years, but the former England international would offer Premier League experience between the sticks.

However, since joining Crystal Palace in October 2020, Butland has failed to nail down a regular starting spot under both Roy Hodgson and current Eagles boss Patrick Vieira.

Restricted largely to appearances in cup competitions, Butland did help Palace to reach the FA Cup semi-final in April, but the Bristol-born shot-stopper made just nine appearances in the league, will all his matches coming from December onwards.

Currently, Palace’s first-choice custodian Vicente Guaita is now 35-years-old and only has a year remaining on his contract, indicating that Butland may have an opportunity to become Vieira’s go-to goalkeeper.

However, just like Guaita, Butland’s contract also reportedly expires at the end of next season, meaning that any interested club could potentially purchase the former Birmingham City man for a cut-price.

Across spells with Birmingham City, Stoke City, and Palace, Butland has made 87 Premier League appearances and recorded 21 clean sheets.

He has nine caps for England, with his last appearance for the Three Lions coming in September 2018, in a friendly against Switzerland.