Mark Hughes wants ‘keeper to snub interest
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is confident that Asmir Begovic will remain at the club past this season despite looming interest from other Premier League clubs.
According to reports, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all keen on signing the Bosnian over the Summer and will look to make formal moves if no contract extension has been side.
Interest from Clubs
The Red Devils are wary that David De Gea could still leave the club with Real Madrid calling, whilst both Liverpool and Arsenal are not happy with their current options.
Despite competing for the Golden Glove, Simon Mignolet has had an up-and-down season which has made Brendan Rodgers look in the marker for a new shot-stopper, whilst Arsene Wenger isn’t impressed with either of Wojciech Szczesny or David Ospina.
Begovic is a name on all three clubs’ list and with the ‘keeper only have one-year left on his contract at the Britannia Stadium, a transfer this Summer could happen.
Contract Talks
Stoke and Begovic have been in contract talks throughout the season, but as of yet, nothing has been signed or agreed to, meaning they could be forced to sell rather than lose him on a free next year.
According to reports, the Bosnian international is considering a move away from Stoke, but Hughes is adamant that his future could still be with the club.
Hughes Talks on Begovic
“I have said on numerous occasions the plan is to sit down with Asmir and his people at the end of the season and we will have an honest discussion and see where that takes us.
“My view on it has not changed. I want him to stay. I feel we can offer him a good platform.
“He has been outstanding in his time here and we want that to continue.
“We are conscious of the fact he is in the last year of his contract and we will discuss that with him.
“My view on Asmir and his future hasn’t changed at all.
“Financial demands will always be part of any discussion, that’s a given but I don’t think that’s something that can’t be overcome.
“If there is a discrepancy we are not really into the detail of that yet until we actually sit down we wont really know the aspiration he has in terms of a new contract.
“It is something that will be resolved hopefully to a positive conclusion for ourselves when we sit down.
“The plan was always to speak at the end of the season. That timescale hasn’t changed.
“I am very hopeful that he will be here (on July 3) for pre-season training).”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
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