Fresh from promotion to the Premier League, Southampton are now reported to be preparing a £3.5million bid for England goalkeeping starlet Jack Butland from Birmingham City, reports the Daily Mail.

Butland, 19, is currently with the England squad at the European championships having been called up following John Ruddy’s broken finger.

The 'keeper is a hot prospect for England, despite yet making a senior appearance for parent club Birmingham City, having impressed on a season long loan spell at League Two side Cheltenham Town.

However, the Saints are reportedly facing some stiff competition from both Spurs and Manchester City, in their hopes to secure Butland’s signature prior to the start of the new season.

35-year old Kelvin Davies has been the undisputed first choice at St. Marys for the last few seasons, making 270 appearances since joining from Sunderland in 2006. By capturing Jack Butland, Saints boss Nigel Adkins will be hoping there will healthy competition for the Number 1 shirt.

Whilst Butland concentrates on the European championships starting in Poland and Ukraine tomorrow, Adkins will no doubt be watching in the unlikely event the 19 year old is called upon.

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