Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland ‘will probably leave’ the club this summer, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The 29-year-old has been on the Eagles’ books for two years but could see his opportunities reduced next term due to the imminent arrival of Sam Johnstone on a free transfer.

What is the latest news involving Butland?

Last month, The Sun reported that both newly-promoted Bournemouth and Glasgow giants Rangers were ‘on alert’ as doubts over Butland’s future began to surface.

And with Johnstone set to join up with Palace following the conclusion of his West Bromwich Albion contract in a few days’ time, the nine-cap England international appears to be edging towards the exit door.

The Sun have since provided an update on Butland’s situation, stating that Championship outfit Middlesbrough are the latest side to show an interest in him after he rejected the advances of Birmingham City.

Butland proved himself to be a capable deputy to Vicente Guaita during his short stint in south London and it seems the time has come for him to take the next step in his career.

What has Barclay said about Butland?

Barclay believes that the shot-stopper, who earns £44,000-a-week, is likely to depart Palace over the coming months ‘if he can find a suitable destination’.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I imagine if he can find a suitable destination, Jack Butland will probably leave this summer. I think he wants to be a number one again; he got a taste for it at times last season.

“But Butland’s had such a strange career because he was playing for England and touted for moves to the likes of Liverpool, and then his form struggled as Stoke got relegated, and it feels like people sort of wrote him off and had moved on from expecting much from him.”

Would Butland be a big loss?

The addition of Johnstone and continued presence of Guaita should mean that Butland’s absence isn’t felt too strongly at Selhurst Park.

However, the 6 foot 5 giant enjoyed a successful season last time out, keeping three clean sheets in his 15 appearances across all competitions, leaking just 18 goals.

Butland played a pivotal part in Palace’s run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, featuring in every single round, and he will surely be hoping to use that as a springboard to revive his once-promising career.