Man Utd transfers: Stoke’s Asmir Begovic expects to be sold in summer

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be an admirer of Asmir Begovic Photo: The Sport Review

Asmir Begovic expects to be sold by Stoke City in the summer amid reports of interest from Manchester United.

The Serbia international has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers over the past 18 months, prompting reports linking the Potters shot-stopper to Arsenal and United.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis snapped up highly-rated Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland in the January transfer window, loaning the England international back to St Andrew’s until the end of the season.

Begovic insists that there has been no contact from either of the Manchester clubs, but the 25-year-old believes he will be leaving the Britannia Stadium in the summer following Stoke’s signing of Butland.

“I read in the papers that I said no to City and yes to United,” Begovic told Oslobodjenje. “But the truth is, I haven’t decided on anything.

“I didn’t say yes or no to anybody. I haven’t signed anything – no contract, no pre-contract. But I believe that Stoke didn’t buy Butland to be a reserve so I think I’m going to be sold in the summer.

“To whom? I can’t move to a smaller club and I also know that some top clubs are interested in me. They are also the only ones who can afford the fee.

“Now I’m just happy that January is over. It was a hard month for us, so many rumours. Now, we can focus on our games again.”