Southampton have failed with an opening offer for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The People says Saints boss Nigel Adkins will have to improve his bid for England keeper Butland, 19, after his opening offer was turned down. They offered a package worth up to £3million for the Birmingham youngster.

However cash-strapped Blues want most of the money up front - and Southampton have only tabled a bid that is around half of that sum guaranteed.