Chelsea are reportedly set to make their move to sign Stoke City and England international goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Our interest in Butland dates back to his days as a Birmingham City player. He had the option to become a Blue during his time in the midlands, but made the level-headed decision to join Stoke, where he would be guaranteed regular first-team football.
Butland’s stock has risen considerably while playing for the Potters. He was almost chosen to be England’s number one heading into this summer’s World Cup, but was pipped to the post by Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
With Stoke being relegated to the EFL Championship, Butland could be on the move. Chelsea appear keen to offer him an escape route from the bet365 arena.
According to The Sun, Butland is being considered as a potential replacement for Real Madrid target Thibaut Courtois. The 25-year-old is thought to be valued in the region of £30M.
The Sun claim that Stoke are prepared to offer him a £30K-a-week pay-rise in order to convince him to stay put. It seems unlikely that a player of his quality could stomach a season in England’s second-tier, however.