Stoke City keeper Jack Butland is a reported target for Crystal Palace as Roy Hodgson eyes a replacement for Vicente Guaita.
The Eagles boss drafted in Guaita in the summer on a free transfer after his contract with Spanish side Getafe came to an end and it was expected that he would be used mainly as cover for Wayne Hennessey this season.
However, when Hennessey picked up an injury, Guaita came in to take over the number one jersey and made it his own with 14 successive outings between the sticks until Saturday’s 3-1 win at Burnley.
Hennessey returned at Turf Moor with Hodgson pointing to the need for squad rotation because of the volume of games his side have played in a short spell. And, despite Guaita’s good form this term, there is speculation suggesting that Hodgson is casting an eye towards a possible deal for Butland.
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The 25-year-old opted to stay loyal to Stoke after their relegation last season, but with the Potters unlikely to make an immediate return to the top flight, he could be tempted to jump ship this summer in order to keep his England hopes alive.
Palace would be an ideal switch providing they remain in the Premier League, but it would be harsh on Guaita if he is the man to make way for Butland.
It is more likely that Argentinian veteran Julian Speroni would be the man Butland replaces as he will be 40 years of age in May and out of contract, although he revealed that he is keen to keep playing.
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