Stoke boss dismisses reports linking Butland with Chelsea

Stoke manager Gary Rowett has dismissed speculation linking England goalkeeper Jack Butland with a move away from the relegated club.

Butland was part of the England squad which reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia and is among several keepers to have been linked with Chelsea this summer.

But Rowett told Stoke’s website: “I don’t believe any rumours if I’m honest.

“I understand the good players are going to be linked with good clubs which is great, I get that. That shows the level of player we’ve got at this club.

“It shows the level Jack Butland is at as a young keeper and that those clubs might potentially look at him.”