Boost for the Blues as Championship manager leaves door open for Chelsea target’s exit

Stoke City manager Gary Rowett is confident that Jack Butland will remain at the club when the transfer window closes.

Butland has been linked with a move to Chelsea following Stokes relegation from the Premier League but Rowett claimed that the club has not received a viable bid yet.

The manager also added that Butland has not tried to force a move away from the Championship side and is preparing for the season ahead.

Rowett was quoted by the Mirror as saying:

“I expect him to stay, I hope he stays. I’m also pragmatic enough to know it’s football and anything can happen in the last few days of the window.

“I can only react and answer what’s in front of me. The answer is we haven’t had an offer which the club feel is financially viable – or I don’t think any strong offer yet.

“Jack has never made any real moves to want to leave and he’s contracted to us and we’re not even a week away from the first game.”

Rowett also added that playing in the Championship would not hurt Butland’s international chances. The 25-year-old keeper was a part of the England squad that finished fourth in the World Cup.

However, Butland did not get to play a single minute in the tournament. Butland would be a decent option for us should we lose Thibaut Courtois.

Read more: Everton to offer Chelsea target massive pay rise to ward off interest

Rowett might be trying to ensure the club gets the maximum value for Butland should they sell him. However, with just a week or so remaining for the transfer window to close, any move for the Englishman should be made quickly.