OPINION
As Stoke City are reportedly preparing for life without Jack Butland then Liverpool must spend £40million in order to secure the goalkeeper’s services in the summer.
The Sun reported on Sunday that the Potters were lining-up a move for Scott Bain, with his Dundee contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The newspaper claim that Paul Lambert’s side are looking at signing the 26-year-old goalkeeper, as the club are considering their options if Butland moves away.
Butland has been one of the first names on Stoke’s teamsheet this season and has impressed many in the 29 appearances he has made during this campaign.
The 25-year-old would be a welcomed addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side next season as goalkeeping issues have held the Reds back from achieving more success this season.
While Loris Karius has recently started showing some form in between the sticks at Anfield, the German goalkeeper’s performance at Selhurst Park on Saturday spoke volumes.
The Reds goalkeeper clumsily gave away a penalty which enabled Crystal Palace to go 1-0 up, and if it wasn’t for his talented teammate Mohamed Salah, his side could have dropped valuable points.
Karius’ Palace display should have had Klopp reigniting his interest in signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, and there are few better options to consider than Butland.
The Stoke City goalkeeper is comfortable with the ball at his feet, something that Klopp will appreciate, and he’s a proven Premier League shot stopper.
Klopp’s side were previously confident about signing Butland, as reported by the Daily Mirror in March, and were willing to a sanction a record-breaking £40million deal in order to sign him.
The reported £40million price tag is realistic for both teams, given the fact he is still young enough to improve and comes with plenty of top-flight experience.
Therefore with the Potters already planning on how to cope without Butland next season, the stage is set for the Reds to seal a £40million deal for Butland.