According to the latest reports from Express and Star, Aston Villa are interested in signing England international Jack Butland in the summer. The goalkeeper decided to stay with Stoke City even though they got relegated in the 2017-18 campaign. However, after the Potters went nowhere near the promotion spots in the last season, Butland seems to have made his mind about moving away to a Premier League club.
Stoke City are reportedly valuing the Englishman at £23m, and Aston Villa are going to test their resolve by launching a £20m bid for him. Butland has been the number two in the England setup, but he believes that to further his ambition of playing for England, he needs to move to the Premier League
The 26-year-old said, ”I always have, and I always will give everything for Stoke City, but I need to be in the Premier League. I’ve tried to help the club back there, but I know where I need to be to be in this (England) squad. If something arises, that is the right thing for me; I have to seriously consider it.”
It is clear that Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his squad for the Premier League and he is expected to make some big money signings.
Does Aston Villa need goalkeepers?
The Villans are well covered in the goalkeeping department, but it seems like Smith doesn’t feel adequately covered for the Premier League. That is the reason why he is willing to shell as much as £20m for a new goalkeeper.
Jed Steer played a massive role for his side in the second half of the campaign, and he would be hard done by if he isn’t given a chance in the Premier League. Orjan Nyland is also an option who would be fit for the next season after returning from a long term injury. Croatian international Lovre Kalinic is another option, but it seems like Smith isn’t convinced with him. So we can see that the club has a decent amount of goalkeepers to choose from, but the manager is looking for a significant upgrade.
Will Butland be the right choice?
Butland is an experienced and proven player at the Premier League level and is only behind Jordan Pickford in the national team. Yes, there will be some arguments about someone like Nick Pope being better than him, but the fact is that Butland is a reliable option to have. He would be a good signing for the club, but the price tag could be a bitter pill to swallow.
Steer would feel that he has done enough to get his chance in the Premier League. The way Steer performed, Butland doesn’t seem like an upgrade worth paying £20m. However, Smith seems to feel that way, but we are a bit dicey.
