West Ham United should consider making a surprise move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, who according to Sky Sports News, is a target for Chelsea.

What's the word?

Former Swansea City shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski joined the Hammers in June as a replacement for Joe Hart.

At the moment, the former Arsenal man will be vying for the number one spot with Adrian, but should the Hammers make the competition fiercer?

Sky Sports News claims Stoke's Butland is a potential candidate for Chelsea, who are drawing up possible targets to pursue in the event that Thibaut Courtois leaves.

West Ham, though, should keep an eye on the situation as they could do with creating a more competitive edge within their goalkeeping pool.

Is a deal likely?

In all honesty, it would be quite the shock.

In a perfect world, the Hammers would have two top-level keepers that are good enough for the number one role.

Adrian still has plenty to give, but if Butland was in contention alongside Fabianski, then the pair would be kept on their toes.

The problem with having a standout first-choice keeper is that complacency can creep in.

Given that Stoke will be playing in the Championship this season, Butland, who has earned eight caps for England, might be open to a move.

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Understandably he would want to be first choice, which may not be guaranteed at West Ham, but it would give him a reason to prove that he deserves to be back in the Premier League.

Financial reasons could be a stumbling block depending on transfer fees and wage demands, but if West Ham want to build a strong unit capable of guaranteeing they reach the next level in 2018/19, then they need quality in all positions.