According to a report from Sky Sports, Stoke City are now prepared to sell alleged West Ham target Jack Butland for just £8 million.
In other news…Report: David Moyes unwittingly gives West Ham advantage over Palace in Eze chase
According to a report from the Athletic, Hammers boss David Moyes could test the waters and make an offer for the 27-year-old Potters goalkeeper this summer.
West Ham have plenty of competition in the goalkeeping department. Lukasz Fabianski is the club’s undisputed number one. Darren Randolph is the Pole’s number two, with talented youngsters Joseph Anang and Nathan Trott waiting in the wings.
Fabianski’s form has been suspect since returning from injury, however. And considering the fact that he is now 35, a potential upgrade in the goalkeeping department wouldn’t be the strangest move from David Moyes this summer.
It clearly won’t be a priority for the Scot, however.
Butland might not be the worst addition this summer, however.
Potential bargain?
Sky Sports claim that the nine-capped England international could be available for just £8 million this summer.
Butland, who earns £60,000 per week according to the Daily Mail, was one of the most exciting young goalkeepers to come through the ranks in England four or five years ago.
His form has dipped over the past year or so, however.
The 27-year-old Stoke goalkeeper let in 56 goals in 35 Championship games this season, keeping just nine clean sheets in the process (Transfermarkt).
Those numbers are clearly not overly impressive. But we all know what Butland is capable of.
On his day, the 6ft 5in stopper is one of the best around.
And £8m could end up being a real bargain for West Ham, if Moyes does in fact bring the 27-year-old to the London Stadium this summer.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
