Crystal Palace are closing in on a deadline day deal for England international goalkeeper Jack Butland, as he nears move away from Stoke City.
According to the Daily Mail and the Telegraph, the goalkeeper will be switching from the midlands to south London and is set for a reunion with former England manager Roy Hodgson in SE25 ahead of Friday’s 5pm transfer deadline.
Hodgson awarded Butland four of his nine England caps and the 27-year-old will be familiar with Hodgson’s style of management.
The interest in Butland comes as regular backup ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey suffered a serious injury in Wales’ Nations League fixture against Bulgaria. He was replaced by Stoke City’s prospect Adam Davies in the 1-0 win over Bulgaria – now the Potters’ preferred shot-stopper at the Britannia Stadium.
Palace would ordinarily have only third-choice Irish goalkeeper Stephen Henderson as further backup to Hodgson’s preferred choice, Vicente Guaita.
Fans of the Eagles have taken to social media to voice their reactions to the surprise news after it was revealed on Thursday night, ahead of Friday’s deadline…
Twitter: I’d be quite happy with butland tbf (@aaroncpfc)
Twitter: Jack Butland is only 27?! That’s a no brainer then (@SamuelMargo)
Twitter: Just give us Sarr (@Mark_CPFC)
Twitter: @CEO4TAG please, Steve. Sarr, Bright or Brooks and butland please x (@Palace_CPFC)
Twitter: Sarr or BOS and butland and this will be an incredible window, maybe best ever…for that reason we will only sign butland
#Cpfc
(@Jonno55Ng)
Palace fans appear to be broadly favourable for a deal for the English goalkeeper. A deal has yet to be formally sealed, though this one appears to be within reach ahead of the 5pm deadline.
