Nathan Jones' Stoke City are still not budging in their valuation of goalkeeper Jack Butland, a move which could well hinder Aston Villa's chances of signing him.

According to Alan Nixon, the England stopper remains a target for Villa, with Stoke though refusing to allow him to leave for anything less than the amount they feel he is worth.

Butland has long been expected to leave the Potters but stayed put last season as the club struggled to adapt to life back in the Championship, subseqently finishing in mid-table despite things begining to pick up somewhat under new manager Jones.

However, the club know they face an uphill task to keep hold of Butland for much longer, with the goalkeeper no doubt having one eye on next summer's European Championships.

Villa are keen on signing Butland as they look to make a big impression back in the Premier League, but are thought to be unwilling to pay a massive fee for the 'keeper, with Stoke thought to be holding out for more than the £20m Villa are willing to pay.

Butland was one of few shining lights for Stoke last term as he further enhanced his reputation as one of the best stoppers in the English game, and he will no doubt be keen to now impress back in the top flight as Stoke face another season in the second tier.

The Verdict

Some of the fees being mentioned this summer are beyond belief, but this one with Butland has been coming for a while.

Stoke have always said they are unwilling to sell unless a massive bid comes in, and that's just what they are doing here.

If Villa want their man, then they need to stump up the cash, it's as simple as that really.

Butland is a class act with his prime still ahead, so it might well be money well spent anyway in the long run.