Liverpool have reportedly been joined by Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign England international goalkeeper Jack Butland from Stoke City.
The 24-year-old recently emerged as a target for the Reds, who are desperate to strengthen between the sticks due to doubts over Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.
According to The Sun, however, Liverpool may potentially have to increase their summer bid for the ex-Birmingham City stopper as Arsenal have also shown an interest, with Petr Cech likely to be eased out ahead of next season.
Butland, capped six times by the England senior side, is said to be open to a change of scenery and £40m is likely to be enough to prise him away from the Potteries.
Joe Hart is the Three Lions' current number one heading into the 2018 World Cup, though Butland has been tipped to overtake the West Ham United loanee before the tournament begins in June.
