Rumour: Stoke City request £15m from Real Madrid for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic

Asmir Begovic

Real Madrid have joined a number of clubs in the race to sign Stoke City’s talented goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, according to the Daily Express.

It was thought that Begovic would leave Stoke last summer to sign for Liverpool or Arsenal but the latter kept faith in Wojciech Szczesny – and have been rewarded by his improvement – and Brendan Rodgers signed Simon Mignolet instead.

The goalkeeper, who has consistently been an outstanding performer in a poor Stoke team, is now – apparently – wanted by Real Madrid.

Madrid have dropped their legendary keeper, Iker Casillas, from the first-team since the beginning of 2013 and instead used him in the Champions League and cup competitions while Diego Lopez plays in La Liga. It started under Jose Mourinho and was continued by Carlo Ancelotti but it may seem that the Italian fancies Stoke’s stopper.

Manchester City were also linked with Begovic after Joe Hart’s form took an alarming dip but he has improved and regained his confidence.

Stoke are unwilling to sell Begovic but as his star has risen so highly in recent seasons, they will find it difficult to keep him beyond the summer transfer window.

They are thought to be asking for around £15 million for their number one.