Hughes: Stoke goalkeeper Grant is not for sale

Mark Hughes has issues a hands-off warning to teams hoping to sign Stoke player of the year Lee Grant in the summer.

Goalkeeper Grant has been one of Stoke’s stand out players this season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Crystal Palace, Watford and Brighton.

Grant played most of the season as Stoke’s No.1 before the return of England international Jack Butland from injury.

But Hughes says there is no intention of selling Grant because he wants both keepers to push each other next season.

“His awards were fully deserved, he got my vote,” said Hughes. “Most clubs in the Premier League, almost without fail, have got at least two outstanding goalkeepers.

Picture: Getty

“We are just trying to make sure were are strong enough in this league to compete and to do that you need two top keepers.

“Lee is at a point in his career where he has had a fantastic time and that has been acknowledged by everybody, myself, the staff, and more importantly the players and fans. He deserves that recognition.

“From my point of view managers will always be selfish, because they want good players to stay. Having the services of Lee Grant and Jack Butland as a goalkeeping group is perfect.

“It’s difficult for keepers because there is a One and there is a Two and we have two No 1s really. Whoever I pick I know will give Premier League standard performances.

“In goalkeeping terms Lee is not edging towards the end of his career. He has a lot of years ahead of him. There may well be interest in Lee. But he has got a good thing here, I think he recognises that. He will get game time next year, I am sure of that.”