Blues hit the Jack pot

CHELSEA have been granted permission to discuss personal terms with Jack Butland.

Birmingham’s England goalkeeper, 19, is wanted by the Blues as a long-term successor to Petr Cech, who will miss tonight’s trip to Reading with a calf injury.

Liverpool had been the favourites to land Butland but have yet to make an offer.

And his agent Gary Mellor confirmed to SunSport last night that Chelsea have had a bid of around £3.5million accepted.

Mellor said: “Chelsea have been given permission to speak to Jack. At this moment they are the only club who have registered a bid.”

Southampton had a £6m offer for Butland rejected last summer.

Everton and Fulham have also been tracking the keeper, who made his England debut against Italy last year.

But with Brum’s entire squad up for sale because of financial difficulties, CEO Peter Pannu has decided he had no option but to accept a knockdown fee.

Ross Turnbull will face the Royals tonight.