Stoke Make Shock Swoop for Birmingham Keeper Butland

Stoke have confirmed the signing of the highly sought-after England goalkeeper Jack Butland from Birmingham for a fee believed to be around £5 million.

The young England shot stopper is due to be loaned back to the championship club for the remainder for the season.

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Butland, who rejected an offer to join champions of Europe Chelsea earlier this week, had a medical with Tony Pulis' side yesterday evening, according to reports.

Cash-strapped Birmingham revealed recently that they would listen to offers for all their players due to financial difficulty, consequently alerting several Premiership clubs keen to secure the goalkeeper's services, according to The Independent.

The deal could spark speculation regarding the Potters' current shot-stopper, Asmir Begovic, who has been linked with a £15m move to Manchester United and Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the man made famous for his long throws, Rory Delap has joined Barnsley on loan until the end of the season.

Having struggled to establish himself in the first XI at Britannia Stadium, Delap is relishing the opportunity for some regular first team football, despite his love for Stoke.

"It's a big wrench to be heading out because I love the club and I have had a wonderful time here over the past six-and-a-half years," he told the club's official website.

"But I need to play regularly. I believe the reason I've picked up one or two niggling injuries has been down to me not playing."