Stoke City are appearing to be planning for life without Aston Villa target Jack Butland, with the Potters closing in on a deal for Barnsley keeper Adam Davies.
According to the Sentinel, cited by the Birmingham Mail, Nathan Jones looks set to land the highly-rated Davies, along with midfielder Nick Powell and striker Lee Gregory on free transfers.
The news will come as a welcome boost to Dean Smith, who is thought to be keen on signing Butland as Villa’s number one for the new season.
Fellow Premier League side Bournemouth are also in for the England international, with Stoke hoping to receive £20m for the 26-year-old.
Butland was a regular for Stoke last season under both Gary Rowett and Jones, featuring in all but one of the Potters’ 46 Championship fixtures.
A move for Butland would more than likely be a smart move by Smith, however, it appears as if Villa will have to meet Stoke’s £20m valuation if they are to have any chance in securing his services this summer.
