Liverpool have reportedly made signing Jack Butland from Stoke City a priority, but are they likely to have to break the world record to land him?
Liverpool have identified three positions as priorities for signing new players in this summer, with the Independent reporting they want a goalkeeper, at least one new centre-back and an attacker.
The identity of the forward is unknown, while both Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles and Burnley’s James Tarkowski are on the radar for improvement in defence.
However, it seems there is only one name being considered to take up the role between the sticks and that is Jack Butland – who is expected to leave Stoke City following their relegation from the Premier League.
A world record signing?
How much Butland will cost remains to be seen, but if comments from former Potters manager Paul Lambert are anything to go by it could take a world record bid.
Lambert left his role at the Bet365 Stadium on May 18, but just before that had laughed off reports in the Sun that Wolverhampton Wanderers were preparing a £35m move for the England international by saying: “£35m… is that for one glove?”
It would suggest that in order for the Reds to land Butland they will have to pay a world record fee for a ‘keeper – which currently stands at the £35m (BBC) Manchester City paid Benfica for Ederson in 2017.
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