According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are considering moving for Jack Butland if Thibaut Courtois leaves the club this summer.

What’s the story?

Sky Sports have reported that Courtois’ agent has implored Chelsea to allow the goalkeeper to move to Real Madrid. However, the Blues are keen to secure the services of the Belgian’s replacement before sanctioning his sale.

Reportedly, Butland is on the list of contenders to fill Courtois’ gloves at Stamford Bridge. The England international shot-stopper is currently plying his trade in the Championship, having been relegated from the Premier League with Stoke last time out.

A switch to Chelsea would certainly be a step up for Butland, but if he is to stand any chance of establishing himself as England’s first choice ‘keeper then it is the kind of move he must now make.

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The poor man’s replacement?

Courtois has been a fine goalkeeper for Chelsea, and ideally the club would prefer to keep hold of their No. 1. If the 6’6” stopper does depart though, then signing a first choice replacement before the window shuts on Thursday will be of paramount importance. 

With only Willy Caballero and Rob Green currently waiting in the wings, losing Courtois without replacing him could be disastrous for Chelsea’s campaign.

Even in these circumstances, Butland - who is valued at £19.8 million by Transfermarkt - would be an underwhelming arrival. The likes of Kasper Schmeichel or Jordan Pickford would be more inspiring incomings.

Chelsea would have to shell out significantly more to land either Schmeichel or Pickford, but they’d be getting a far more reliable ‘keeper in return for their cash. Underestimating how crucial having a top class shot-stopper is to a successful season is a dangerous thing to do.

Chelsea would be better served by playing it safe and spending more on a better goalkeeper than Butland.