According to reports from The Daily Mail, Manchester United are targeting Stoke City’s Jack Butland; whilst Tottenham Hotspur have been offered Atletico Madrid striker Jackson Martinez.
Since taking the Potters’ No.1 mantle at the start of the season, Butland has recorded the second-most saves and the third-most clean sheets of any Premier League goalkeeper, with 65 and nine respectively, and rapidly emerged as genuine competition for Joe Hart’s berth in the England starting Xi.
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According to The Mail, United have earmarked the three-cap international as a potential replacement for David De Gea. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid’s long-term interest in the Spaniard will be affected by their two-window transfer ban, but his contract is believed to include a £30million release clause and an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport could see Los Blancos’ embargo postponed until after the summer.
Should the La Liga giants swoop for De Gea, United intend to draft in the 22-year-old as his immediate successor.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail also report that Tottenham Hotspur have been offered Atletico Madrid striker Jackson Martinez – contrary to prior rumours claiming the north London outfit had seen a £23million bid rejected for the Colombian international.
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He’s struggled to settle since moving to Vincente Calderon in the summer, netting just thrice across all competitions, but the 6 foot 1 striker’s scoring credentials are well established from his prior spell with FC Porto, where he amassed 92 goals in 132 appearances during a potent three seasons.
However, Spurs are reportedly reluctant to sign the South American because he doesn’t fit the profile of a Pochettino signing at 29 years of age. The White Hart Lane gaffer wants energetic players under the age of 27. There is also a resulting concern over potential cost; the Mattress Makers will want to recoup as much of their £27million investment as possible but Spurs feel any deal won’t represent good resale value.