Manchester United closing in on Jack Butland transfer

Erik Ten Hag has announced Manchester United are closing in on Jack Butland as the Dutchman emphasised the importance of having an experienced back-up goalkeeper.

David de Gea is undisputed first-choice number one at Old Trafford but United have been left short of cover after Newcastle last week recalled Martin Dubravka from a season-long loan.

United have earmarked Palace's Butland, capped nine times by England, to fill the void, with Tom Heaton the only deputy in United's first-team squad ahead of Friday's FA Cup tie against Everton.

While Ten Hag did not divulge any details of signing Butland, the United boss wants to avoid a similar situation to his last season at Ajax, when several injuries led to a goalkeeper shortage.

"Martin was recalled and in our set-up we need a squad with three experienced goalkeepers," Ten Hag said.

"We have some young ones and they do well but we have so many games so you need three good goalies in training and you need experience in the goal to get what you are aiming for."

Ten Hag added: "What is (Butland) bringing? I'm really happy with David, it's quite clear he's our number one. He's a really good performer. But something can happen with David as well.

"You have to prepared for that and not be in such a moment where you have only one experienced (goalkeeper), you can be unlucky.

"Last year I had this situation with Ajax, we had three goalies injured and you don't want to be in a situation that you have to put in at the end of the season - hopefully when you can play for trophies - that you have to put in a young keeper.

"You can't expect it from the young goalkeeper but also it could kill your season and that is what you have to be prepared for."

While Everton manager Frank Lampard is facing