A potential deal between Crystal Palace and Birmingham City for goalkeeper Jack Butland has "got a pulse" but will hinge on the player's stance, according to journalist Alan Nixon. 

Nixon reported via Patreon earlier this summer that Butland was Lee Bowyer's number one target as he searched for a new first choice goalkeeper.

Bowyer has since departed and been replaced by John Eustace at the helm but it appears there remains an interest at the Championship club over a deal to bring the shot-stopper, who began his career at St Andrew's, back to the Blues.

According to Nixon, the potential deal has "got a pulse" but will hinge on whether Butland wants the move.

With Sam Johnstone and Vicente Guaita at Selhurst Park, it is understood that the 29-year-old is keen to establish himself as a number one somewhere for the 2022/23 campaign.

The England international has been linked with Bournemouth and Rangers as well but it remains to be seen whether either club will move for him.

The Verdict

Butland would be some signing for Birmingham but it appears the ball is in the 29-year-old's court at this point.

He may feel that moving to the Blues would be a step back and given the off-field issues surrounding the club in recent seasons, you could understand if he wanted to assess other options first.

Neil Etheridge has been a good Championship goalkeeper in the past but there are question marks over him heading into the new season.

As such, it would be a surprise not to see the Blues add at least one new shot-stopper.

It appears that whether that is Butland will be down to the player.