Newcastle hope to secure the signing of Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland this transfer window.

The Magpies have already informed the Championship club of their interest and are prepared to offer £4m for the teenager, The Chronicle reports.

They are likely to face stiff competition from a host of Premier League clubs for Butland’s signature, with Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool all connected with the England international keeper.

It is understood that the Blues have little choice but to sell the 19-year-old this January with the cash-strapped club knowing they must sell on their prized assets in order to survive.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are looking for an adequate replacement for Steve Harper. The 30-year-old, a stalwart between the posts for the Toon, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Butland’s arrival at St James’ Park would push Tim Krul all the way in the battle for the number 1 jersey and United want three keepers to keep competition healthy.

At 6ft 5in, he is arguably the brightest prospect amongst England’s young goalkeepers, the Bristolian making his debut for his country in England’s 2-1 friendly win over Italy last summer.

He guarded the posts for Great Britain in the Olympics and also made the England squad for Euro 2012 after John Ruddy withdrew with a broken finger.

Butland has made 27 league appearances for Birmingham since his promotion to the senior side in 2010.

His career also includes two separate loan spells at Cheltenham, in order to gain first-team experience at the start of his Blues career.

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