England goalkeeper welcomes Manchester United speculation

Jack Butland says speculation linking the England goalkeeper with a move to Manchester United can only be a good thing but insists he is fully focused on life at Stoke.

The Stoke goalkeeper has been in tremendous form for Mark Hughes’ side so far this season and has now been linked with a move to United as a potential replacement for David de Gea.

The Spain international is constantly being mooted with a move to Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s side have reportedly earmarked Butland as his potential long-term replacement.

However, while Butland is happy to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, the 24-year-old is only thinking about life at Stoke for now.

“I guess I hope the speculation keeps coming as that means I’m playing well but none of that matters anyway as we’re in the season,” Butland told The Daily Mail.

“I’m happy where I am just doing what I can do for Stoke. Whatever happens in the future is a long way away and it’s not part of my thought process right now.

“Hopefully I just keep doing well but it’s always nice to be linked with clubs.”

Butland is expected to replace Joe Hart as England’s new No.1 goalkeeper in the near future after putting his injury woes behind him this season.

In fact, of goalkeepers that have made more than one appearance this season, only Lukasz Fabianski (7.29) and Kasper Schmeichel (7.08) have a higher WhoScored rating than Butland (7.06).