Aston Villa are gearing up for their first season back in the Premier League, and have identified Jack Butland as a target to become their new number one.

Butland has proven Premier League experience and will be desperate to return to the league after staying with Stoke City for their first season back in the Championship.

The Potters value the 26-year-old England keeper at £23million – a price-tag which stopped fellow admirers Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in their tracks and forced them to reassess their options.

However, Villa manager Dean Smith is determined to land a top class keeper with Premier experience according to The Sun.

Former England stopper Butland fits the bill.

Crucially, Villa's wealthy owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have the financial muscle to sanction the move for Butland.