Nottingham Forest maintain a long-standing interest in Jack Butland, with the Premier League club emerging as the leading suitors for the 33-year-old English goalkeeper. Butland is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Ibrox, which has intensified speculation over his future this transfer window. According to Rangers News, the Light Blues are actively looking for a new goalkeeper ahead of the transfer window opening on June 15, a move that could make Butland surplus to requirements at the club.
Danny Rohl has identified Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles, 20, as his top goalkeeping target, with the Ibrox boss eager for a reunion with a player he gave his senior debut to during his 18 months at Hillsborough. Charles is set to leave Sheffield Wednesday following their relegation to League One, although Manchester City have entered the race to re-sign the Northern Ireland international as James Trafford's replacement.
Former Owls winger Chris Waddle has warned Rangers that signing Charles could cost up to £10m this summer, reflecting the level of competition for his signature. Rangers reserve goalkeeper Liam Kelly is in advanced talks to sign a new contract at Ibrox, suggesting the club's main focus remains on replacing Butland rather than bolstering squad depth.
Charles has made 34 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday and in the 2025/26 season had a save percentage of 70.5%, ranking 11th among Championship goalkeepers, although his 4.35 saves per 90 minutes were bettered by only one other goalkeeper in the division. The statistics prove that he was tested endlessly behind a weak defense, but that he held his own under pressure.
Letting Butland leave this summer is a logical decision, but it also involves real risks. His form has dipped over the last 12 months and, with a restructure underway at Ibrox, it makes financial sense for Rangers to move him now rather than wait until his contract expires next year. The club avoids losing Butland at no cost and frees up salaries for areas that probably need more urgent investment.
The search for Charles is where things get really interesting. Rangers could offer him a clear path to regular senior football and European competition, something that appeals to a young goalkeeper who is still building his reputation at the highest level. Rohl knows exactly what Charles can bring, and that personal connection matters more than most people recognize in football. A coach who trusts a goalkeeper he already knows is worth more than any scouting report.
The threat from Manchester City, Celtic, Cardiff and QPR is real, and Rangers will have to act with intention once the window opens. If the club can secure Charles and receive a reasonable fee for Butland, it will become one of the best moves Rangers could make all summer. The real danger is to hesitate too much and lose both situations.