Aston Villa are readying a £20million bid to try and tempt Stoke City to part with prised assets Jack Butland, according to the Sun.

After winning promotion to the Premier League, Dean Smith is keen to strengthen his Villa side and part of that plan is thought to involve signing a shot-stopper with Premier League experience.

If the bid is accepted, Villa's arch-rivals Birmingham City will stand to gain around £4million after inserting a 20 per cent sell on clause in his contract when he was sold to Stoke.

Butland only missed one match in what was a disappointing Championship season for the Potters, crashing to a mid-table finish despite being made convincing promotion favourites last summer.

Nathan Jones will be looking to put his own stamp on the side after taking over from Gary Rowett back in January and it could be that a £20million windfall proves to be very helpful.

Back at Villa Park, however, one player who may not be too keen on the move is Jed Steer.

After spending the first half of the campaign on loan with Charlton, he thought his way back into the starting XI of his parent club after January and proving to be the hero in their successful play-off campaign.

The verdict 

I wouldn't be too surprised to see this happen.

Smith seems to determined to land a Premier League goalkeeper and I would be surprised if Stoke chose to turn down this offer, especially with plenty of their own work to do this summer.

I think it would prove a good deal for all involved - especially Birmingham.