Crystal Palace lead chase for £15m-rated Stoke star Jack Butland
Eagles may look to send Vicente Guiata back to La Liga, which means they will need a new goalkeeper
CRYSTAL PALACE are heading the chase to grab Stoke’s England keeper Jack Butland.
Palace have been checking on the 25-year-old and are plotting a raid as he faces up to a second season outside the Premier League with the Potters.
Butland stood by his club when they were relegated last year.
But the time to move on could be this summer as Stoke look set to miss out on promotion. They could cash in on Butland — and Palace are on red alert.
The South Londoners have doubts about Spanish keeper Vicente Guaita’s long-term commitment, so they may have a vacancy.
And if Guaita heads back to La Liga, then Palace will be in a position to make an offer for highly-respected Butland.
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The stopper would also have to take a pay cut if Stoke stay in the Championship, so it would be a good time financially for him to return to the top flight.
The Potters would want about £15million for Butland but that is unlikely to put off Palace, who are one of the few Premier League clubs likely to be in the market for a No 1.
Bournemouth are also poised to join the hunt if Asmir Begovic moves on.
Artur Boruc has come into the side but has not stopped their alarming run of heavy defeats on the road.