Jack Butland admits he chose to join Stoke City ahead of offers from Chelsea and Manchester City.
The England goalkeeper is currently on-loan at Birmingham City.
"I had the chance to speak to Chelsea but I didn't feel I needed to.
"But I've got a chance to join a club where I feel I can better develop my game and take it to the next level.
"I turned Manchester City down about a year ago. Again, I was flattered but Joe Hart is their undisputed number one and he was a main factor."