Stoke hope to ward off Man United’s Butland interest
Published:
Stoke City have offered goalkeeper Jack Butland a bumper new deal in the hope of warding off Manchester United.
The Britannia outfit are desperate to keep hold of the England international after a string of dazzling displays and have opened talks over a new deal said to be worth £50,000 per week.
The negotiations follow reports linking Butland with a move to Manchester United where despite signing a new deal the future of David de Gea remains a mystery.
The Spaniard committed his long-term future to the Old Trafford club earlier this season but only after a reported paperwork mix-up prevented a transfer to Real Madrid.
Butland, 22, still has three years to run on his current deal, which was signed just 11 months ago, but Stoke hope that by doubling his wages now the former Birmingham City stopper will continue his progress in the Midlands.
Even if De Gea remains at Old Trafford United are likely to test the water with back-up stopper Sergio Romero reportedly growing frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities coming his way.
However, with usurping Joe Hart as England’s number one at the top of Butland’s agenda Stoke will hope the chance to double his wages while still playing week-in, week-out will be enough to quell the lure of Old Trafford.
Butland is next in action tomorrow night when Stoke welcome Newcastle to the Britannia in a game which sees the hosts billed as 19/20 favourites.
The Magpies can be backed at 10/3, with the draw on at 12/5 but with Butland in such good form and it could pay to take the 6/4 that says the Potters keep a clean sheet.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing.
