Asmir Begovic expects to leave Stoke at the end of season

The Stoke City goalkeeper expects to be sold when the transfer window reopens in the summer. However, he has denied any reports saying he has agreed to join Manchester United.

Stoke signed Jack Butland in January, and Begovic feels his time at the club is over. Reports have claimed that Manchester United are interested in the goalkeeper as a replacement for David de Gea. Manchester City are also keeping tabs on him as a back-up goalkeeper.

The Bosnian international has made a name for himself in the league after being signed from Portsmouth. He is closing in on 100 appearances for Stoke.

“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.”

Jack Butland will join Stoke in the summer after being loaned back to Birmingham City this season.