Stoke City are facing a battle to keep goalkeeper Jack Butland according to the Times.
The England international is attracting interest from the top flight with Bournemouth said to be one of a number of clubs interested. The 26 year old was a mainstay in the Stoke team last season as they secured a 16th place finish in the Championship.
Following their relegation it was widely thought that Butland would be one of the star names to leave but he decided to stay with the Potters. However, their disappointing season could now cost them one of their best players.
Butland has reiterated his desire to leave Stoke saying: “I always will and always have given everything to the club, but I need to be in the Premier League. I have tried to get this club back into the Premier League but I know where I need to be to stay in the England squad. If the right opportunity arises, it is something I shall need to seriously consider.”
Stoke are believed to be holding out for at least £30million for the England goalkeeper with his contract running until 2021.
Bournemouth had a solid season in the Premier League and are in pole position to get their man but they would need to break their transfer record to sign him. There are no doubting Butland’s capabilities in the Premier League and this would prove a shrewd signing for the Cherries.
Should Eddie Howe’s side fail to sign Butland they are also eyeing up Burnley’s Nick Pope as a possible target.
