Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is hoping goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will extend his contract in the coming weeks, amid rumours he’s being targeted by European champions Real Madrid – as reported by ESPN.
As This Is Futbol informed you last week, the Bosnian international is also on the radars of Arsenal and Liverpool, with both clubs believed to be searching for summer upgrades on current No.1’s Wojciech Szczesny and Simon Mignolet.
The 27 year-old has been in good form this season, making 54 saves in 32 appearances whilst keeping eight clean sheets in the Premier League, further cementing his reputation as one of the English top flight’s most consistent goalkeepers.
With his Potters contract set to enter its final term at the end of the current season, there’s been plenty of speculation suggesting Begovic could leave the Britannia Stadium outfit this summer.
But Mark Hughes remains optimistic that the former Portsmouth man will agree extended terms.
“We are scheduled to have talks with Asmir’s people in the next few weeks I think,” the manager said on Friday. “I think both parties have stated that probably at the end of the season those talks will come to a conclusion, and we are very hopeful Asmir will stay here.
“There will be speculation around better players at football clubs, and we are no different. He has attracted attention because he is an outstanding goalkeeper,” he added.