Kop close in on Jack

Butland, but it is believed the player would favour a switch to Anfield and the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp.

Stoke are resigned to losing their star man, but want a fee that will eclipse the current world-record outlay for a goalkeeper, the £34.7m which brought Ederson to Manchester City from Benfica.

It will also place Everton’s £30m capture of Jordan Pickford from Sunderland in the shade.

Liverpool, who have also been interested in Roma’s Brazilian stopper Alisson, decided Butland’s Premier League experience can prove vital as they look to become realistic title challengers next season.