Chelsea could target Butland

According to Sky Sports, Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is Chelsea’s primary target if Thibaut Courtois does end up moving to Real Madrid. The Belgian appears to be throwing his toys out of the pram in order to try and facilitate a move to the European champions, which has left the Blues feeling frustrated as they were hoping to conduct face-to-face talks with the 26-year-old.

Alas, the club aren’t really interested in resuming negotiations for Courtois’ departure unless they find a suitable replacement – with Butland being viewed as one of the leading contenders. The 25-year-old struggled in Stoke’s Championship opener against Leeds United at the weekend, but he’s still considered to be one of the brightest young goalkeepers across the continent.

Chelsea will be hoping to have this situation resolved, or at least close to resolved, by the time they travel up north to take on Huddersfield Town this weekend.