According to reports from The Daily Star this afternoon, Chelsea are in talks with Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
The Bosnian international has demonstrated a remarkable consistency during his five campaigns as the Potters’ No.1, in that time claiming the club’s Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards.
With just a year remaining on his contract, however, the 27 year-old is widely expected to leave the Britannia this summer and Chelsea want to bring him is as a replacement to Petr Cech – who is now almost certain to join Premier League rivals Arsenal according to Sky Sports.
Last week, Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes admitted Begovic has probably already held talks with some of his potential suitors, as revealed by This Is Futbol, with Arsenal and Manchester United also linked.
And according to The Star, the Red Devils represent Chelsea’s biggest opposition in the race to sign the former Portsmouth man. In likeminded fashion, they’re targeting Begovic as a potential replacement for Real Madrid-bound PFA Player of the Year nominee David De Gea.
Prior reports claim Mark Hughes’ side are prepared to sell for around £8million.