According to reports from The Telegraph this afternoon, Chelsea intend to wrap up a deal for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic within the next few days.
The Potters No.1 is expected to leave the Britannia this summer with his contract now into its final 12 months. Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes recently admitted the 6 foot 6 shot stopper has probably held talks with interested parties already.
One of those interested parties is rumoured to be Manchester United, who view the Bosnian international as a potential replacement for Real Madrid-bound No.1 David De Gea.
But Chelsea have proved to be Begovic’s most proactive suitors thus far, launching a £6million bid on the same afternoon Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal became official.
The Potters responded to the offer by requesting £8million and a player on loan in exchange for the 27 year-old, and it appears the Premier League champions have decided to meet their demands.
According to The Telegraph, a source from the Britannia outfit has admitted “there is a deal to be done.” The delay thus far is due to Chelsea deciding which player to send out on loan – with Victor Moses, Patrick Bamford and Ruben Loftus Cheek in the frame.
Agreeing personal terms is expected to be a mere formality, with Begovic allegedly content to serve as Thibaut Courtois’ understudy.