Stoke City manager Gary Rowett has issued an update on the future of Jack Butland amidst speculation linking the English keeper with a move to Chelsea this summer. According to the Guardian, the Stoke boss expects the England international to remain at the bet365 Stadium beyond this summer.
The English manager also stated that playing for the Staffordshire outfit won’t harm his international aspirations with the England national team. The Potters are yet to receive a bid which meets their valuation of the English keeper and now, the club expects the goalie to remain as Stoke’s number 1 goalkeeping option for the new campaign.
However, if Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaves Stamford Bridge in search of new adventures, then the Potters fear that the West London club will go all out to secure the services of their 25-year-old shot-stopper during this summer transfer period.
In a recent interview, the new Potters boss, Gary Rowett shed some light on the future of Butland and was quoted to have said, “He’s our player and if he plays in the Championship with us, which we fully expect him to do, I don’t see how that will impinge on his international ambitions,”
“We haven’t had an offer which the club feel is financially viable – or I don’t think any strong offer yet. Jack has never made any real moves to want to leave. I expect him to stay, I hope he stays. I’m also pragmatic enough to know it’s football and anything can happen in the last few days of the window.
“I imagine he would be the type of player who some teams would covet. I’m a realist but I hope he’s still here. We have no real pressure to sell anyone, the owners are prepared to back it.”
It is clear from Rowett’s words that the Staffordshire club has no plans to part ways with their prized asset unless they receive a big-money offer in the coming days before the transfer window slams shut next week.
Butland was a part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, having made 36 appearances for Stoke last season, conceding 63 goals while keeping 6 clean sheets in all competitions.
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With time running out, the Blues need to act quickly if they are serious about landing the England international this summer.
