Rangers are set to complete a £6million move for Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur as Jack Butland prepares to head in the opposite direction this summer.
Pandur has been identified as the man who will wear the No.1 jersey at Ibrox this term under the guidance of new boss Derek McInnes.
He will assume the place vacated by Butland as the former England keeper gets set to quit Ibrox after three seasons in Glasgow. The Rangers Review understands a £3million deal has been agreed with the Tigers for Butland to return south of the border ahead of the new campaign.
The 33-year-old joined Rangers from Crystal Palace during Michael Beale's summer in charge having previously been on the books of Manchester United. He will now look to establish himself at Hull following their return to the Premier League, courtesy of a play-off final win at Wembley over Middlesbrough. Former Ibrox midfielders John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell are already on the books at the MKM Stadium.
Butland's position as number one had come in for significant debate of late following an unconvincing campaign between the sticks. Liam Kelly committed his future to Rangers by agreeing a new deal ahead of the World Cup and it is Pandur that he will challenge for the gloves going forward.
The 26-year-old is part of the Croatia squad at the finals but has yet to make an appearance. Dominik Livaković started the group stage defeat to England and wins over Panama and Ghana and is likely to retain his place for the round of 32 meeting with Portugal on Friday.
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He is set to be a Rangers player by that stage as talks continue over the respective deals that will see Pandur and Butland exchange places. Pandur will sign a long-term contract at Ibrox and follows Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie and Ben Godfrey in putting pen-to-paper as preparations continue for the new season.
“Ben is a player who has competed at a very high level throughout his career," McInnes said of Godfrey after he completed a loan move from Atalanta on Monday morning. "He’s played in the Premier League, been involved with England, and brings a lot of experience with him.
“He’s a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad. We’re pleased to get him in, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the season ahead.”
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