Premier League side Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their chase for England star Jack Butland, with Stoke manager Gary Rowett quoted as saying he 'expects' the 25-year old to stay put this summer.

The England keeper has been linked with a move away from Stoke following their relegation to the second tier, but manager Rowett has clarified that at the moment, he doesn't see a move happening.

“I expect him to stay, I hope he stays," Rowett is reported as saying by the BBC. "I'm also pragmatic enough to know it's football and anything can happen in the last few days of the window. I imagine he would be the type of player who some teams would covet."

Chelsea have been reported as eyeing Butland as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, but there's been no firm offer as yet arrive at the bet365 Stadium, as confirmed by the former Derby County boss.

"I can only react and answer what's in front of me. The answer is we haven't had an offer which the club feel is financially viable - or I don't think any strong offer yet. Jack has never made any real moves to want to leave and he's contracted to us and we're not even a week away from the first game.”

Butland is one of three keepers currently available to Rowett, with Adam Federici and Jakob Haugaard the other two.

The Verdict

Butland is bound to be attracting interest, but a deal close to the deadline is no good to Stoke, they need time to spend the money and buy a replacement.

If he does go with the hours ticking away it might prompt Rowett into splashing cash quickly to get a player he wants and missing out on value for money.