In their pursuit of a Premier League comeback, Stoke is prepared to turn down any January offers for Jack Butland.
The England goalkeeper Butland is expected to be a target for premier league teams come transfer deadline time, having made an impression for Stoke in the Championship.
After being demoted to the second division, the 25-year-old received a warning from Gareth Southgate in September that his spot in the national team was in jeopardy.
And with Butland recently joining Wayne Rooney’s agency, Triple S, his future is probably going to be scrutinized in the New Year as well.
Telegraph Sport has learned, however, that Stoke is adamant about keeping Butland for this season and will only look at offers exceeding £50 million before changing their mind.
As of right now, the record for goalkeeper transfers in Britain is
Jordan Pickford of Everton currently holds the British transfer record for a goalkeeper at £30 million, so a much larger sum would be needed to lure Butland away.
“We’re not under massive pressure to sell anybody,” stated Stoke manager Gary Rowett. “I hope Jack’s on a mission for himself and Stoke to get back in the Premier League.”
“He’s faced some difficulties. After suffering an injury in the previous season, he went from being England’s top player to possibly not playing in the summer—clearly not what he had hoped to do.
It was being discussed that one could move to Chelsea and end up competing in the Championship. It’s difficult to bounce back from that quickly.
“There are times in your career when your ability to bounce back from setbacks and demonstrate your character is put to the test, and he has done just that.
“He’s demonstrating his skills, which, in my opinion, make him the best goalkeeper in the nation.”
Having kept seven clean sheets so far this season, Butland will take on Reading on Saturday as Jordan Pickford looks to get closer to the top six.
