Jack Butland insists he sees his future at Rangers after receiving assurances over the club’s ambitions.
And the 31-year-old goalkeeper expects the Ibrox outfit to reject any transfer offers for his services after admitting he wants to be successful there.
Butland has become an important figure at the club since joining on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last summer.
An impressive first season in Scottish football saw him considered for a call-up to the England squad, but the goalkeeper’s move to Nottingham Forest was rejected by Rangers in January.
Warned that he needs to sell before he can buy, Rangers manager Philippe Clement has repeatedly said Butland is one of the players he cannot afford to lose.
And, ahead of Tuesday night’s crucial Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden, the former England No.1 claims he would be happy to stay after questioning the Rangers hierarchy about his aspirations.
Jack Butland says he would be happy to stay at Rangers after receiving assurances over his future
Former England goalkeeper Butland has expressed his satisfaction with his work at Ibrox after his time at Crystal Palace
Butland accompanies young goalkeeper Lewis Budinauckas to training camp
“I think we have a good relationship,” Butland said. “We have an idea of what we want to achieve and ultimately I want to be successful here.”
“We’ve had conversations. My conversation with the club has been about what we’re doing, where we’re going, how far we’re going and how far we want to go. Any player at any club, that’s what you want to know: ambition. For me, there’s no cloudy areas on that… I’m looking forward to the season and playing to the best of my ability.”
Butland speaks to reporters ahead of vital clash with Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden
Coach Philippe Clement was pleased to hear Butland say he wants to stay
Clement and his team oversee the training session before the match against Dynamo kyiv
Goalkeeper Butland looks relaxed ahead of big Ukraine qualifier
Asked who he had spoken to about Rangers’ plans to take on Celtic and become a Champions League club, Butland replied: ‘Everyone, you get the chance to speak to directors on planes, get ideas out of them and talk to people.
“That’s what this club is about. You have to be together and that’s a concern for me. I’m not worried, but it’s good to talk to those people and know where the club is, the direction and the optimism… as a player there are things you want to know and you want to be part of. I hope that sometimes my opinion is also taken into account and that it’s important and that there’s a good relationship. I really enjoy the way things are going.”
Rangers drew 1-1 with Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of their third qualifying match in Poland last week.
Victory on Tuesday night would secure a meeting with FC Twente or RB Salzburg in the play-off round, with £40m at stake.
That windfall would negate the need to sell players like Butland, and manager Clement welcomed the goalkeeper’s promise to stay.
The Belgian said: “Jack feels what’s going on inside the building, what’s going on inside the club and the squad, how things are evolving here in every way. Things that the fans can’t see because they only see the game and the result, and you do too. I think it’s a very important sign that someone after his season and with his quality says that. I think it’s something really symbolic.”
