Klopp is 'targeting a shock move for Jack Butland as back-up to injured Alisson'

Liverpool are reportedly set to hand Jack Butland a career lifeline and bring an end to his seven-year stay at Stoke City as they line up a shock move for the goalkeeper.

With the domestic transfer window between Premier League and Football League clubs open until Friday, Liverpool are said to be weighing up their options for a back-up to the injured Alisson Becker.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has concerns over the form of reserve goalkeeper Adrian after his side's 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

According to the Mirror, Butland is of interest to Liverpool and as one of Stoke's highest-paid players, the move would suit both parties given he he has 12 months left on his contract.

Butland last played for England in 2018, but his career has plummeted since Stoke got relegated from the Premier League that same year.

A poor run of form with the Potters has seen Welsh goalkeeper Adam Davies replace him as No 1. He last featured for Stoke in a 5-0 defeat to Leeds United back in July.

It's a far cry from the form that saw him make his England debut at the age of just 19, following an impressive season with Birmingham in the 2012-13 season. Stoke bought him for just £4m the following campaign, and when they got relegated, he was valued at north of £30m.

He's made nine appearances for the Three Lions and was selected in their 2018 World Cup squad. But the emergence of the likes of Nick Pope and Dean Henderson have seen him become surplus to requirements.

With Alisson out injured for at least a month, Klopp 'wants reinforcements' between the posts, and if Liverpool opt for Butland, the 27-year-old could make his debut in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.