Premier League sides Stoke City and Everton are ready to go face to face in their quest to land Barnsley FC’s young midfielder Jacob Butterfield.
The 21 year old is yet to feature at any international level however sources claim it will only be a matter of time before this becomes a reality. The Bradford born midfielder became the youngest ever captain for Barnsley in September when he helped the side to a 1-1 draw against Watford in the NPower Championship fixture.
For Stoke City and Everton it remains to be seen how much either side will be willing to spend on the up and coming youngster with both sides far happier to invest in stars for the future than on more expensive talent from abroad. With Jacob Butterfield helping to keep Barnsley just above the relegation spots in the Championship January would not be the best time for the side to be losing one of their better players however a bid if £2m-£3m could well be enough to tempt Barnsley into allowing the 21 year old to depart for pastures new.
Should nothing concrete come in from either Stoke City or Everton just after Christmas then the sides will continue to monitor the player and look to make serious enquiries in the summer should the player continue to perform at his current level.