Report: Crystal Palace could make late move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland

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The Telegraph has claimed that Crystal Palace are set to make a late move to sign Stoke City and former England goalkeeper Jack Butland before Friday’s 5pm deadline, with Butland having entered the final 12 months of his contract at Stoke.

It has been quite the fall from grace for Butland. While Stoke were in the Premier League, Butland had broken into the England side and clocked up nine caps – but since relegation to the Championship, he has lost his place in the Stoke side.

Still struggling to regain that form, Butland remains behind Adam Davies in the pecking order under former Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill. This season, he has remained on the bench for all four of Stoke’s league games.

Now, Palace could make a late move to save Butland from his Stoke nightmare and lure him back into the Premier League. However, it would only see Stoke’s £4million (Guardian) potentially act as cover for Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey.

TBR’s view – If Butland can regain half his form, it is a good signing

Butland’s form has fallen of the face off the cliff, but there is still plenty of time for the goalkeeper to regain his impressive best. Still only 27, time is on Butland’s side – especially given that he is a goalkeeper.

A return to England’s top tier might just do it, and stop Butland going through the motions. He has the ability to start for Palace and although he may have to be patient to begin with, Butland could be a very good signing for Roy Hodgson’s side.