The goalkeeping department was always going to be a priority for Chris Wilder at Middlesbrough this summer, with the temporary departure of Joe Lumley perhaps accelerating their pursuit of finding a second new shot-stopper. 

One player who has emerged on the transfer radar, as per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, is Crystal Palace's Jack Butland. 

However, Boro will face divisional competition from Birmingham City, with Bournemouth and Rangers also weighing up moves for the 29-year-old. 

Assessing Middlesbrough's chances of securing a deal for the Palace man amidst interest from elsewhere, Carlton Palmer told FLW: "Chris is somebody I know. He's a terrific guy, a terrific manager, so it'd be a fantastic move for him.

"I'm sure there's going to be a lot of interested parties. It's where he's going to feel at home, where he's gonna feel that he could do himself justice."

The verdict 

Proving to be an excellent goalkeeper at second-tier level in the past, this would be a real coup for Middlesbrough as they set their sights on automatic promotion under Chris Wilder next season. 

For Butland, this would be an excellent opportunity for him to play regularly within a side who will be ambitious next season. 

The 29-year-old would have an extremely high chance of securing regular first-team football, and whilst Bournemouth presents an option to remain in the Premier League, game time might be similar to what he has seen at his current club. 

Wilder appears to be embarking on an exciting project at the Riverside Stadium, something that could help lure Butland to Teesside.