Friday, November 16, 2012

Blues Willing To Sacrifice Liverpool Target

Liverpool goalkeeper target Jack Butland will be sold in January if a new takeover of the club does not take place, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claims Birmingham City will be forced to sacrifice the England international stopper amidst financial struggles at St Andrew’s, with Gianni Paladini’s potential takeover the only way to keep the teenager on the books.

Southampton made a £6 million move for the player in the summer, but the Blues swiftly rejected the advances of the Premier League Saints.

However, things have not gone according to plan under manager Lee Clark this season in the Midlands, and with ‘cash reserves dwindling’, Butland could make the club good money given the reported interest of Liverpool.

Brad Jones is currently enjoying his longest spell between the sticks at Anfield in the absence of Pepe Reina, with the injured Spanish international missing the last month of action on Merseyside.

However, Jones is out of contract with Liverpool at the end of the season, and reports in The Daily Mirror at the start of the week claimed discussions were yet to begin over a new deal as manager Brendan Rodgers considers his options.

Butland would be a younger alternative as back-up to Reina if the Reds decide to ditch the Australian international, although competition for his signature could be fierce if Birmingham’s need to sell is public knowledge, a point proved by Manchester City's recent £6 million link to the player in The Sunday People.

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