Crystal Palace signed former England goalkeeper Jack Butland from Stoke City on a three-year-deal, via Sky Sports.

What's the word?

The 27-year-old made 168 appearances for the Potters, keeping 50 clean sheets in all competitions, but he has struggled for consistency in the Championship.

Palace bought Butland from Stoke City after Wayne Hennessey suffered an injury whilst away on international duty with Wales and he will provide competition for Roy Hodgson's first-choice goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

And Sky Sports revealed the Eagles have signed him for an initial fee of £1m, which could rise significantly with add-ons, whilst the same outlet quoted Palace chairman Steve Parish as saying: "We have added another experienced player of high calibre to our squad in Jack. It marks a really successful window for us, with five quality signings, adding great depth to Roy's squad."

Big call by Roy Hodgson

Most, if not all managers at some point in their career will look towards seasoned professional footballers who can make an instant impact, who are reliable, relatively cheap with potential re-sale value. You only have to look at the miracles that Chris Wilder has worked with Sheffield United to understand the idea.

Hodgson himself is no stranger to relying on veterans. In fact, far from it, as former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and ex-Hamilton pair James McArthur and James McCarthy are great examples of players who have established themselves as first-team regular starters at Selhurst Park.

Now, we're not saying the Englishman will supplant Guaita, that'd be a bit of a stretch of the imagination considering his current form. What we will say is that there is a fair chance that Hodgson will throw him in at the deep end to test the waters.

SofaScore gave him a decent grade of 6.99 for his last Premier League season, where he played 35 games, kept 6 clean sheets, made 1.1 clearances per game, and only made one error leading to a goal. By comparison, Guaita committed two errors that led to two goals last term, via SofaScore.

Once hailed as an "outstanding" player by his former manager Mark Hughes after he kept the scoreline respectable at the bet365 Stadium at home to Everton, Butland could turn out to be a real bargain.

Hodgson, who gave him his first cap for his country, has shown that he has full confidence in his senior players in the past. Now he must do the same with Butland.

AND in other news, Jairo Riedewald steals the show as Crystal Palace battle to draw with Brighton...