Brighton & Hove Albion not willing to sanction the deal for Carl Rushworth to join Rangers | OneFootball

A deal for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to join Rangers is off at the moment as the Seagulls are not willing to sanction the deal, according to talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook.

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, and the 24-year-old Rushworth has been identified as a potential replacement.

However, the Light Blues are not the only ones keen on him, with Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise also interested.

They have made an offer for the Brighton man but he is not keen, while 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 Rangers.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in recruiting his services 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, and he has also played in the League One and League Two, with 176 appearances to his name.

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 so far this summer, and having Rushworth available when they host Panathinaikos in the first-leg of the second qualifying round of the Champions League next Tuesday (July 22) would have been huge.

Unfortunately, the Light Blues must name their initial squad for the elite European competition by tomorrow (Thursday) night, and they will have to make do with their current goalkeeping options for both legs against the Greek club.