Stoke City have told Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea that goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will cost them in the region of £10million, Star Sport reports.
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The Blues are on the lookout for a new keeper after Petr Cech’s move to London rivals Arsenal was confirmed on Monday afternoon [via BBC Sport].
The departure of the Czech Republic international has left Jose Mourinho needing to find a suitable replacement ahead of their title defence this season.
Bosnia and Herzegovina international Begovic has emerged as the number one target, but they will have to raise their opening bid of £6million, which was swiftly rejected by the Potters.
Begovic, who has one year left on his deal at the Britannia Stadium, could soon be faced with a decisoin to make over his future as a move Stamford Bridge is likely to result him being back-up to Thibaut Courtois.
Since arriving from Portsmouth in February 2010 , the 28-year-old has developed into one of the league’s most consistent goalkeepers and he kept seven clean sheets in 35 league apperances last season.