Brighton & Hove Albion unwilling to sanction the deal for Carl Rushworth to join Rangers | OneFootball

A move for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to join Rangers is off at the moment as Brighton & Hove Albion are unwilling to sanction the deal.

Rangers manager Russell Martin wants a new goalie with the future of Jack Butland at the Ibrox club now in huge doubt following an underwhelming campaign in 2024-25.

Rushworth has been identified as a potential replacement. However, the Rangers are not the only club interested in him, with Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise also in the running.

They have made an offer for the Brighton man, but he is not keen. Coventry City are also showing strong interest.

The ‘incredible‘ Rushworth has spent the last five seasons on loan and has yet to make his official debut for Brighton, but his quality and experience have attracted the attention of Rangers.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing him amid their goalkeeping injury woes, and Martin will hope he can convince the Seagulls to do business.

Rushworth spent 2023-24 at Swansea City and last season with Hull City, both in the English Championship. He has also played in League One and League Two.

Saving close-range shots is one of his major strengths, and Rangers could do with such a top option in goal as they look to impress next season under their new boss.

They have signed Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, Lyall Cameron, Thelo Aasgard, Joe Rothwell and Djeidi Gassama this summer.

Having Rushworth available when they host Panathinaikos in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Champions League next Tuesday would have been huge.

Unfortunately, Rangers must name their initial squad for the elite European competition by tomorrow night, and they will have to rely on their current goalkeeping options.