Butland: I want to play at the top, but Stoke is fine for now

Jack Butland: Goalkeeper in fine form for Stoke City

Jack Butland: Goalkeeper in fine form for Stoke City

In-form goalkeeper Jack Butland has distanced himself from links to Liverpool and Everton and declared himself settled at Stoke ahead of the transfer window next month.

Joe Hart’s England back-up has produced a string of impressive performances since being promoted to the Potters’ starting line-up at the beginning of this season, helping Stoke keep seven clean sheets in all competitions since September.

That has led to speculation linking the 22-year-old with moves away from the Britannia Stadium in January, although Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp poured cold water on the idea he was in for Butland last week.

The goalkeeper has also been linked with Everton, but Stoke boss Mark Hughes also stated Butland was “going nowhere” recently and the player himself is not angling for a move away either.

“I do want to play at the top but, at the minute, I can’t fault where I am,” Butland told Sky Sports News HQ.

“I’m in a brilliant, brilliant squad who are playing extremely well and things are looking really bright for the club.

“Right now I can’t see any better place for me to be. I’m learning every week, I’m playing with some great players – the goalie coach (Andy Quy) I’m really happy with, and learning a lot from the staff as well.

“Personally, I’m very comfortable, very happy with where I am and I believe that we can do some really good things at Stoke so that’s where my sole focus is at the minute.

“Anything beyond that is purely speculation and rumours. It’s obviously wonderful to be linked with a club with the history like Liverpool but this is where I am.”