Mark Hughes admits deal likely to happen
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed he expects Asmir Begovic to join Chelsea this summer.
The Bosnian shot-stopper has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in order to replace Petr Cech, who joined Arsenal earlier in the transfer window.
Cech leaving left Chelsea with just one goalkeeper and Jose Mourinho highlighted three potential replacements. Begovic, Robert Green from Queens Park Rangers and John Ruddy from Norwich City.
However, Mourinho made Begovic his priority and the deal looks set to be completed anytime soon with Hughes confirming his expects the ‘keeper to travel to London to hold formal talks.
Hughes confirms Begovic Talks
Hughes said: “I haven’t had an update today but my understanding is that he’s likely to travel to Chelsea and that will be concluded.
“Having worked with Asmir, he will back his ability and he would think he will challenge and get game time, or he wouldn’t have gone there.
“He’s a confident and very accomplished goalkeeper so he’ll push whoever’s the number one very, very hard.”
The deal edged closer as Stoke announced the signing of Shay Given following his release from Aston Villa.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
