Chelsea have reportedly identified Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland as their top target to replace Thibaut Courtois.
The Blues are being forced into making a decision regarding their number-one position due to Courtois having less than a year remaining on his contract and being keen to sign for Real Madrid.
The Premier League side are allegedly unwilling to sanction the sale if they cannot find a replacement for the Belgium international, but it appears that the West Londoners are making an attempt to find a solution.
According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea are planning to sign Butland from Stoke before the summer window closes at 5pm on August 9.
Potters boss Gary Rowett has previously indicated that he expects Butland to remain at the bet365 Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether the Staffordshire-based outfit would be able to rebuff a big-money offer having suffered relegation from the top flight.
Chelsea are likely to have to pay in excess of £30m to have any chance of tempting Stoke into a sale at this stage of the window.
Darren Plant
