Liverpool transfer news: Jack Butland ‘wants to join Reds’ over Chelsea
England stopper keen on moving to Anfield after their £75m capture of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton
JACK BUTLAND is ready to fix Liverpool's goalkeeping problem, according to reports.
Chelsea have targeted the Stoke stopper as talks to extend Thibaut Courtois' contract stall.
But according to football.london, Butland would prefer a move to Anfield.
The England ace, 24, is in contention to be Gareth Southgate's No1 keeper at next year's World Cup in Russia.
And he is widely regarded one of the best between the sticks in the Premier League.
Liverpool have struggled to fill the position in recent years with neither Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius convincing.
Stoke are likely to demand a hefty fee considering fellow England goalie Jordan Pickford cost Everton £30million.
Butland is contracted at the bet365 Stadium until the summer of 2021.
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Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has defended both Mignolet, 29, and Karius, 24, this season after the pair came under stick from former players and pundits alike.
Last summer the German manager insisted he had no plans to sign a new keeper.
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And according to the report, Butland is NOT believed to be his top target should he decide to improve the position
Liverpool have moved a step toward plugging their leaky defence with the £75m capture of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.
The Holland centre-back, 26, said: "Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool player.
"Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football.
"I can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton."