Liverpool have reportedly been informed that Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is not for sale during the January transfer window.

In recent weeks, the Reds have been linked with a bid for the England international, who is said to favour a switch to Anfield if he leaves Stoke in the future.

Liverpool also have funds to spend after selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, but it appears that the Potters have no intention of parting ways with the 24-year-old before the end of the month.

According to The Express, Stoke have indicated that they would not entertain any offers of £40m or below for the player and new manager Paul Lambert acknowledged earlier this week that there was "absolutely no way" that Butland would be leaving during the current campaign.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has rotated his goalkeepers during the past 18 months but on Friday, the German claimed that he now regards Loris Karius as his first-choice shot-stopper.