Chelsea and Liverpool are set to fight it out over Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to football.London.
The website reports that the Blues are interested in the England international if current number one Thibaut Courtois opts against signing a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian international’s current deal expires in 2019 and Spanish newspaper AS reported last week that the stopper is open to a move to Real Madrid.
If Courtois does depart for the Bernabeu, Butland is believed to be the preferred choice to replace him, but there is an issue that could scupper a move for the 24 year old. Although Stoke are open to letting the keeper go for £30m, the player is said to be keener on a move to Liverpool, rather than to the Blues.
There is still a long way to go before Chelsea are likely to give up on securing Courtois to a longer term contract. The Belgian has suggested he is enjoying playing for the club, but much will depend on how personal matters play on his mind during negotiations.
