Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
it's a given

Stoke transfer news: Jack Butland will have Premier League clubs watching him closely at the World Cup, claims Shay Given

Wolves and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for the England stopper

SHAY GIVEN has admitted Premier League clubs will be queuing up to land Stoke's Jack Butland this summer.

The England stopper is being heavily linked with a swift return to top-flight action following the Potters' relegation.

 Stoke stopper Jack Butland is set for a swift return to the Premier League
4
Stoke stopper Jack Butland is set for a swift return to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Wolves and Liverpool are interested in signing the 25-year-old, who could cost in the region of £30million.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds are expected to step up their chase for a new No1 following Loris Karius' Champions League nightmare.

And Given, who spent two years working alongside the ex-Birmingham keeper, believes he is good enough to play in most Premier League teams.

He told SunSport: "I've been very impressed with Jack Butland from the first day I went into Stoke, training with him every day.

 Former Potters keeper Shay Given spent two years playing alongside Butland
4
Former Potters keeper Shay Given spent two years playing alongside ButlandCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Butland will be watched closely by Premier League teams at the World Cup
4
Butland will be watched closely by Premier League teams at the World CupCredit: Reuters

"There's definitely going to be clubs looking at him.

"I don't know if Jack wants to stay with Stoke in the Championship or if he feels he has to move back to the Premier League, especially with his England chances, but I think he's good enough to play in most top-flight teams.


A LOAN AT LAST Kevin Wimmer flees Stoke after dismal contribution to Premier League relegation season


"It depends if he plays in the summer for England - there''ll be a a few Premier League clubs looking at him for sure."

Butland slammed Stoke's signings as "farcical" as their ten-year stint in the Prem came to an abrupt end.

Saido Berahino has yet to score a goal since his move 16 months ago and Stoke ripped up Jese Rodriguez's loan deal following a shambolic stint in the Potteries.

 Matej Vyrda could follow in Gary Rowett's footsteps and join Stoke
4
Matej Vyrda could follow in Gary Rowett's footsteps and join StokeCredit: EMPICS Sport
England train at St George’s Park ahead of World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria

Xherdan Shaqiri finished at the club's top scorer with just eight followed by Peter Crouch and Mame Biram Diouf on six.

And with talk that Championship top scorer Matej Vydra will follow new gaffer Gary Rowett to Stoke, Given thinks the club must splash out on a proven striker.

He added: "I feel Stoke were crying out for a striker in the two years that I was there and since. They’re crying out for a record striker who will get double figures scoring goals."


Shay Given is working with Cadbury for its new 5-A-Side promotion, in partnership with the Premier League. Football fans can win the chance for themselves and five friends to play with and against five football legends - head to to enter

Topics