Aston Villa are considering a move for Stoke City star Jack Butland.

Villa are reeling from the news that Tom Heaton will be absent for several weeks at best.

Heaton has a knee problem that he suffered against Burnley.

The Daily Mail suggests that manager Dean Smith may turn to Butland, who is himself desperate to return to the Premier League.

Villa are the midst of a relegation battle and cannot afford to go without an experienced, top keeper for several months.

For now, they will recall young keeper Matija Sarkic from his loan at Livingston to make up the numbers.