Tuesday 8 December 2015 07:59, UK
England goalkeeper Jack Butland has dismissed the idea of a move to Liverpool and insists he is happy at Stoke City.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Potters this season, with five clean sheets in his last six games, and has been equally brilliant for England in place of Joe Hart.
Butland played a pivotal role in Saturday's 2-0 defeat of Premier League title favourites Manchester City, with key saves denying Kevin De Bruyne and Aleksandar Kolarov.
Butland's mature displays have led to national newspapers reporting that Liverpool could move for him in January, but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has since insisted that he is happy with first-choice Simon Mignolet and is not looking to replace him.
And Butland told Sky Sports News HQ: "It is obviously wonderful to be linked with a club with the history of Liverpool but anything beyond that is purely speculation and rumours.
"But at the minute, I can't fault where I am. I am in a brilliant squad who are playing extremely well and things are looking bright for the club.
"The Champions League has always been a target of mine. I do want to play at the top. But right now I can't see any better place for me to be. I am learning every week and I am playing with some great players. I am really happy with the goalie coach and I'm learning a lot from the staff as well.
"I believe that we can do some really good things at Stoke, so that is where my whole focus is at the minute."
After failing to win any of their first six Premier League games, Stoke have run into form under Mark Hughes and Saturday's victory lifted them to 10th in the table.
Since taking over from Tony Pulis in 2013, Hughes has slowly remodelled City into a more dynamic, attacking side and sought to play more expansive football.
Against Manchester City, Stoke could easily have scored more than two as summer signings Xherdan Shaqiri and Ibrahim Afellay showcased their developing understanding with Bojan and two-goal hero Marko Arnautovic.
Butland believes Hughes deserves huge credit for how the team has developed and is confident they can be a match for anyone.
"The minute the manager came in he indicated how he wanted to start getting the ball down and really playing better football and making the most of the talent we have in the squad," Butland said.
"It has taken time and we have improved each year. This year, with the additions to the team, and the guys in the team from previous years, we have really stepped it up. We are playing some very good football and really causing even the biggest teams problems.
"It has been a big emphasis for us, getting those attacking players on the ball in the right areas and giving them the freedom to play. Also, we have been extremely sound defensively and that is something we do pride ourselves on as well."
