Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland denies lodging transfer request

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has denied reports that he has submitted a transfer request.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move away from the club, with Liverpool touted as the most likely destination, but Butland has now insisted that the Potters' relegation battle is his sole focus.

"Before this spreads any further, I haven't told the club I want to leave. I'm focused on doing everything I can to keep the club in this division! Stop believing everything you read," Butland wrote on Twitter.

Recent reports suggest that the 24-year-old is open to a move elsewhere, with Chelsea and Arsenal also said to be monitoring developments.

Butland has been tipped to take over from Joe Hart as England's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.