Chelsea are set to make a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland after talks of a new deal has stalled with Thibaut Courtois. Some sources in the English press has already claimed that the Blues are looking to bring Butland in with the future of their Belgian keeper uncertain. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Courtois which might make the Londoners move in for the Potters’ English keeper.
The 24-year-old Bristol born keeper is a contingency plan for Antonio Conte if Courtois leaves the club in January or in the summer. The Potters are currently heavily reliant on Butland’s services as they have been dragged into the relegation dogfight recently. With their Premier League survival up at stake this season, Mark Hughes needs to act fast finding a replacement if they end up losing Butland.
Here are three options for Stoke City if Butland leaves the Potters in the near future.
Felix Wiedwald (Leeds United):
The Leeds United keeper has been in terrific form for the Peacocks this season. He has been one of the standout keepers in the Championship and has only conceded 17 goals in 17 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit. Wiedwald also has 8 clean sheets to his name so far.
A step up to the Premier League might be an ideal opportunity for the German keeper and Stoke City can definitely use someone of his calibre and potential going into the future.
Loris Karius (Liverpool):
The German has failed to establish himself as Liverpool’s number 1 keeper in Merseyside but he was one of the best shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga a few seasons ago during his time with FSV Mainz. The 24-year-old is supremely confident in his abilities and has featured in 8 matches for the Reds this season, conceding only 6 goals while keeping 5 clean sheets. There is no doubt about his talents and at 24, he still has plenty of time to develop into a world-class keeper in the Premier League.
Stoke City can make use of his services on a temporary basis in January with the German keeper struggling to get enough game-time due to Jurgen Klopp’s preference of opting for Simon Mignolet over Karius in the Premier League.
Iker Casillas (FC Porto):
The FC Porto keeper is a goalkeeping legend and is reportedly looking for a way into the Premier League. However, the Spanish keeper’s wage demands might be something that the Potters will struggle to afford. Yet, Casillas has a wealth of experience in world football and has won plenty of major honours with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
The 36-year-old will definitely be a great asset for Stoke City if Mark Hughes is able to convince him to move to Staffordshire.
