Pulis: Begovic staying despite Butland arrival

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis claims goalkeeper Jack Butland was not bought Birmingham City to replace Asmir Begovic.

It has been reported that Butland, who re-joined Birmingham until the end of the season after signing for Stoke in January, was purchased due to the impending sale of Bosnia keeper Begovic in the off-season, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Pulis took advantage of Birmingham’s financial woes when he brought Butland to the Britannia Stadium for 3.5 million pounds, a Pulis said was “unbelievable”.

And Stoke manager has revealed the England Under-21 international will be loaned out next season should Stoke keep hold of Begovic.

Pulis told reporters: “If it comes to next season and we’ve still got three goalkeepers and feel Jack isn’t ready, he’ll be loaned out again.

“There was no thought in my mind of bringing Butland in just in case Asmir went. We felt it was a fantastic opportunity.

“The price was unbelievable.”

Stoke are in action at home to Reading in the Premier League on Saturday.