As reported by The Express, Liverpool's pursuit of Stoke City goalkeeper has taken a damaging twist after new Potters boss Paul Lambert ruled out letting him leave this January.

What's the story?

The paper say that the Reds were considering making a £40m offer for the shot-stopper during this month's transfer window, but it appears any bid this season is set to be rebuffed by the relegation battlers.

When asked about the prospect of him making a move, Lambert was steadfast in the reply.

As quoted by The Express, the Stoke City man said:

There is absolutely no way he is going in January. Absolutely no chance. As long as I’m here I’ll do everything I can to keep him.

If Stoke are to escape the drop to the Championship this season they'll absolutely need to hold on to their talisman goalkeeper, but that doesn't mean Liverpool should end their pursuit of him in the summer.

Problem solver

Jurgen Klopp has struggled to find a reliable goalkeeper during his time at Anfield and this season has been no different with both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius struggling to make the number one spot their own.

Despite Stoke's problems this season, Jack Butland is seen as one of the division's finest between the sticks and on his day has won points for the Potters, an example being their 1-0 win over Arsenal in August when he put in a man-of-the-match calibre performance.

The England international may be shipping goals an at extraordinary rate this season but few have been his fault and he has the ability to come in and provide stability behind the Reds' defensive line.

If he's not for sale this January, then he should be considered as a solution to Klopp's goalkeeping woes this summer.

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