Mark Hughes open to new Jack Butland contract

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has said that he would be open to the possibility of offering goalkeeper Jack Butland a new long-term deal with the club.

The 22-year-old only signed his latest contract in March 2015, keeping him at the club until 2019, but he has since established himself as the first-choice keeper at the Britannia Stadium.

Hughes was full of praise for the England international and suggested that his performances this season will be rewarded with a new contract.

"I wouldn't be adverse to it. Jack has recently signed a long-term deal but that was prior to him being the number one," Hughes told reporters.

"The circumstances have changed somewhat and that is why we are looking at that. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the country and he has shown that in the games he has played this season.

"His form hasn't plateaued at all. His manner and personality, he is very calm, makes sure that he takes everything in his stride."

Butland has started all 27 of Stoke's league games this season, keeping nine clean sheets in the process.