The men between the sticks are often argued as the most important players on the pitch for many teams, with the keeper being the one who can see the whole game unfold and bark orders to his team mates.

Many greats over the years have graced the English games, from home grown greats such as David Seaman and Peter Shilton, to foreign imports such as Peter Schmeichel and Petr Cech.

The Premier League though is not the only place where you will find excellent goalkeepers, and clubs in their should not always look to Europe to find their new number one.

The Championship has some of the best goalkeeping talent around, with many keepers having top flight experience and many young up and coming keepers making a name for themselves in Englands second tier.

With this in mind, we have taken a closer look at the goalkeeping situation in the Championship.

Here are FIVE goalkeepers from the Championship who Premier League clubs should look to sign........

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE GOALKEEPERS!

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Marco Silvestri

The Italian stopper is often one of the bright lights for Leeds United and delivers excellent performances on a consistent basis for the whites.

At only 25, he is still at a very good age to develop into a real quality goalkeeper, and could certainly play at a higher level than he currently does.

8 clean sheets this term does not probably do his performances justice, but he cannot be blamed for many goals, with a leaky defence often cited before anyone looks at Silvestri.

He does have the odd mistake in him, and saw red at the weekend against Rotherham, but there is no doubt he is one of the best stoppers in the Championship.

Kieren Westwood

The Irish goalkeeper and Owls number one is a star performer on a consistent basis in the Championship, and already has Premier League experience under his belt.

At 29, he should be approaching his prime and will be a keeper people are looking at keenly should the Owls fail to make it to the Premier League this term.

12 clean sheets this season has spoke volumes about his ability, and he is sorely missed when he has had the odd injury niggle. Westwood is certainly one of the league's best stoppers, and the Owls will do well to hold onto him should the miss out on promotion.

Jed Steer

The 23-year-old goalkeeper is one of the youngest in the league, but certainly is one of the brightest too.

A regular for Huddersfield this season, Steer has already been courted by many clubs and the Terriers are expected to face a battle to keep hold of him.

Premier League clubs are always looking for the next big thing in goalkeeping terms, and Steer may well be just that if someone is willing to take a punt on him.

David Marshall

At 31, it might appear Marshall is too old to make a move to the Premier League again, but in goalkeeping terms, that is still relatively young.

He proved himself during the Bluebirds spell in the Premier League with a string of superb performances, almost single handedly keeping them up, and he has maintained those high standards since.

Marshall is athletic, quick off his line, and most importantly, an excellent shot stopper. Cardiff are currently pursuing the final play off spot, and Marshall has been key to that form all season long for Russell Slade's men.

Marcus Bettinelli

The young Fulham stopper has been unlucky this season after a serious injury kept him out until very recent. He recently made his comeback though, and delivered a man of the match performance upon his return.

Another young keeper, who at 23, has plenty of time to develop, will be being closely monitored by those in the top flight. Clubs in the Premier League are already well aware of him, and his talents have seen him represent the England under 21s on numerous occasions.

Fulham have endured a miserable season by their own standards, and will be hoping to ward off the attentions of preying Premier League clubs and get Bettinelli back in the sticks for next season.