Jack Butland 'on verge of signing new Stoke City contract'

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.

The 23-year-old has performed impressively for the Potters since being tasked with filling the void left by Asmir Begovic last summer.

Butland, who is already in contract at the club until 2019, is said to have been locked in talks over improved terms during the past few weeks.

According to The Telegraph, City expect a new deal to be in place at some stage next week to cap a fine breakthrough season for the England hopeful.

Liverpool and Manchester United have both previously been linked with a move for the young keeper but, should he sign on the dotted line in the coming days, his value will likely rocket.

Butland has started all 30 of Stoke's Premier League games this season, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process.