Liverpool have recently been linked with a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland according to Football Insider. 

Butland has caught the eye with some strong performances in recent months, and it appears as though his impressive showings haven't gone unnoticed.

The shot-stopper made 35 league appearances for Stoke last term, as they finished 15th in the Championship, in what was a disappointing league campaign for the Potters, and hasn't made a league appearance for Michael O'Neill's side this term.

It has since been reported by the Liverpool Echo that the Reds aren't believed to be pursuing a deal to sign Butland, who was viewed as a potential replacement for Adrian.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips wasn't convinced that Butland would be the right signing for Liverpool, and claimed that Watford's Ben Foster would be better-suited with a move to Anfield before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion.

"If you put me on the spot. Give me Ben Foster any day of the week.

"He was outstanding for Watford last season, even though they went down. Foster is a safe pair of hands, even at his age.

"I would pick him over Jack Butland. Foster has been far more consistent and has the greater experience as well."

Foster and his Watford team-mates are set to return to action on Friday evening, when they take on Derby County, in what is likely to be a tricky test for Vladimir Ivić's side.

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The Verdict: 

I can understand his thinking behind this one.

Foster has really impressed me in recent seasons, even though his efforts weren't quite enough as Watford were relegated from the Premier League last term.

You would imagine that he'd be a cheaper option than Stoke's Jack Butland as well, which would make sense as whichever goalkeeper Liverpool sign, won't be a regular starter this season for the Reds.

It'll be interesting to see who Jurgen Klopp's side actually sign though, as we edge closer to Deadline Day.