Rangers target Fortuna Sittard keeper as McGregor departs

Rangers seek new goalkeeper as McGregor retires. Fortuna Sittard’s Ivor Pandur on radar. Butland out of reach. Changing of the guard at Ibrox.

Rangers are reportedly eyeing Fortuna Sittard goalkeeper Ivor Pandur as a potential summer signing after hitting a roadblock in their pursuit of Jack Butland.

According to Daily Mail, scouts were present to observe the 23-year-old Croatian in action against PSV Eindhoven over the weekend. Pandur is currently on loan to Fortuna Sittard from Hellas Verona.

With veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor announcing his retirement at the season’s end and doubts surrounding Jon McLaughlin’s future at Ibrox, manager Michael Beale is eager to secure a new shot-stopper in his squad overhaul.

While highly-rated prospect Robby McCrorie has been in inspired form, the Gers have been heavily linked to Jack Butland.

However, the Crystal Palace loanee and England international is said to be out of Rangers’ price range for now.

In comparison, Pandur may not trigger the same excitement amongst fans. Nonetheless, Beale was always likely to have to get creative in the transfer market without big bucks to splash.

The 23-year-old Ivor Pandur has amassed 7 clean sheets in 29 outings for mid-table Fortuna Sittard this campaign, leaking 48 goals along the way.

McCrorie has staked a strong claim for the number one jersey next season with two stellar showings against Celtic and Aberdeen.

As such, whoever is brought in may end up playing second fiddle to the 25-year-old. One thing is for certain, there will be a changing of the guard between the sticks at Ibrox with McGregor’s illustrious Rangers career coming to an end.

McLaughlin failed to impress in his limited opportunities this season, while McCrorie has barely put a foot wrong when called upon.

However, if a keeper of Butland’s pedigree becomes available, McCrorie could still find himself as deputy for the new season.