Stamford Bridge side look to snap up Stoke City custodian.
Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic ahead of prospective suitors Man United according to the London Evening Standard.
READ MORE:
Chelsea transfer rumours.
Manchester United FC news.
Chelsea launch bid for Asmir Begovic, following Petr Cech’s transfer to Arsenal
The West London side expect to sign the Bosnian in an £8m deal this week, Jose Mourinho looking to replace Petr Cech following his move to Arsenal, and the Evening Standard claim a four-year contract has already been agreed.
Begovic will have to battle Thibaut Courtois for the starting spot at Stamford Bridge and will net a £75k-a-week deal in the process.
Chelsea failed with a £6m bid for the Potters star [via the Daily Star], widely considered one of the best custodians in the Premier League, but the Evening Standard believe an £8m offer is on the cards.
Such a deal could also see either Victor Moses or Patrick Bamford move to the Britannia Stadium on loan [via the Evening Standard].
Begovic moved to Stoke City from Portsmouth in 2010 and has made 172 appearances over the course of the past six seasons and is a good enough keeper to warrant a ‘step-up’ though the 28-year-old faces a tough fight to secure regular first-team action if he does move to Chelsea.
Courtois enjoyed a superb debut campaign at Chelsea, having spent the past three years on loan at Atletico Madrid honing his trade, and should Begovic move to the Premier League title holders then it’s likely he’d initially see FA and Capital One Cup action, and will hope to then keep the Belgian on his toes.