Chelsea

Chelsea Make First Move For Jack Butland – Will Liverpool Respond?

Chelsea have made an approach to Birmingham City for goalkeeper Jack Butland, who has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Everton in recent months

by
Transfer News Reporter
January 29, 2013

With the January transfer window now open for business we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer gossip. Today, Chelsea move for Jack Butland.

Chelsea have made an approach to Birmingham City for Liverpool target Jack Butland, according to Sky Sports News.

Butland’s future has been under scrutiny in recent months after the 19-year-old burst onto the scene with a string of impressive displays while on loan with Cheltenham Town last year and he has continued that fine form this season for City in the Championship.

Sky Sports claims a number of clubs have been monitoring the keepers situation including the likes of Liverpool and Everton, but it appears Chelsea have now also joined the queue with the Blues making an official move for the player.

The report claims Birmingham boss Lee Clark has admitted he may have to sell the talented stopper to balance the books at St Andrews, and Chelsea have now made their move to try and bring Butland to Stamford Bridge before the window closes on Thursday night.

I must say I’m surprised by Chelsea’s reported interest. I’d suggest a goalkeeper is the last thing the European champions need at this time. They already have Petr Cech as first choice as well as youngster Thibaut Courtois – who is impressing on loan with Atletico Madrid – so I don’t see where Butland would fit in.

If he does join Chelsea this week, he would most likely act as back-up for Cech for the rest of the season which would hardly be ideal for a young aspiring goalkeeper who needs regular games. It would also put a question mark over the future’s of Ross Turnbull and Hilario, but what would happen when Thibaut returns to the club in the summer? Chelsea would then have three top-class goalkeepers contesting for the No.1 spot.

So it’s an intriguing move if true and I wonder if this news will push Liverpool into making a move themselves? Brad Jones hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory when he’s deputised for Pepe Reina and there have been reports linking Barcelona with a move for the Spaniard, so I could understand a move to Liverpool over Chelsea if I’m honest.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, at least we won’t have to wait and see how this unfolds.

Do Chelsea fans want the club to sign Butland? Get involved in the comments section below.