Southampton are set to miss out on signing Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland before the transfer window closes, with the Potters not wanting accept an offer involving Angus Gunn.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have been linked with a potential move for Butland over the last few weeks, but it now appears the England international could be set to join Crystal Palace as they search for a replacement for the injured Wayne Hennessey, as per the Daily Mail.
Southampton demands too much for Stoke
Southampton had been prepared to allow back up keeper Gunn to leave the club on loan to Stoke for the rest of the campaign to allow him to get some more regular game time. However, they were also wanting a cash adjustment in their favour in the swap deal between the 24-year-old and Butland, as per the Daily Mail.
Butland has found himself behind Adam Davies in the Stoke pecking order so far this season. That comes after he endured a challenging campaign last term where he made five errors leading to goals and conceded 1.6 goals per game (via Sofascore).
Gunn, meanwhile, has also found himself down the pecking order at Southampton, going from being first choice at the start of last season to sitting behind both Alex McCarthy and now Fraser Forster. The Saints, though, could still allow the 24-year-old to leave. That depends on whether Butland does make a move to Crystal Palace, as per The Athletic reporter Dan Sheldon.
Missed opportunity for Butland
Despite enduring a very challenging season last term in the Championship, Butland remains a keeper with a lot of ability that had earned him nine England caps. The 27-year-old averaged 4.1 saves per match and kept six clean sheets despite Stoke’s awful defence in their relegation campaign from the Premier League (via Sofascore).
Mark Hughes labelled Butland as an ‘outstanding’ keeper who was ‘natural’ fit for the England number one shirt, but his career has regressed over the last few years. The 27-year-old would have been highly motivated to perform and get back on track at St Mary’s though, so Southampton may regret missing out on the chance to offer him an escape route, especially if he gets back to his best at Selhurst Park.
Saints fans, will the club regret missing out on Butland? Let us know your thoughts below!
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