Birmingham have rejected a £6 million bid from newly-promoted Premier League side Southampton for Jack Butland, according to The Telegraph.

The young goalkeeper made England's Euro 2012 squad, and acted as a deputy to number one Joe Hart.

With excellent performances at club level catching the eye, a raft of Premier League clubs have been linked with an approach for Butland, with the Saints thought to have had several bids turned down.

Butland is thought to be in-line to play for Team GB at the Olympics also, as he builds on his experience.

The St Andrews club are eager to keep their young starlet however, with new manager Lee Clark admitting that Butland has a bright future ahead of him.

"I know how good Jack Butland is and I think he can push Joe Hart all the way to be the England number 1," Clark stated.

"It's a great kudos for the club for him to be going to the Olympics, we are all proud and hope he comes back super-confident.

"Playing at the Olympics will put him in the shop window but you can't hide good players. It will have to be big numbers for us to even consider selling him. As far as I'm concerned he will start the season here," the coach concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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