Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland admits he's happy being linked with Manchester United.

Butland has been linked with a move to United in the past with some reports earmarking him as David de Gea's replacement should the Spaniard ever leave Old Trafford.

"I guess I hope the speculation keeps coming as that means I'm playing well but none of that of matters anyway as we're in the season," he told the Daily Mail.

"I'm happy where I am and just doing what I can do for Stoke. Whatever happens in the future is a long way away and it's not part of my thought process right now.

"Hopefully I just keep doing well but it's always nice to be linked with clubs."