Begovic resigned to leaving Stoke

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic expects to be sold in the summer but denies reports linking him with Manchester United.

The Bosnia international has impressed at the Britannia Stadium this season but believes that the Potters have prepared for his departure by signing Jack Butland from Birmingham.

Butland will remain at St Andrew’s for the rest of the campaign but Begovic has predicted that the 19-year-old has been lined up as his replacement.

“I read in the papers that I said no to (Manchester) City and yes to United,” Begovic told Bosnian newspaper 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 don’t believe that Stoke bought Butland to warm the bench so I think I’m going to be sold in the summer.”

Begovic revealed that he was aware of interest from some ‘top clubs’ and believes that smaller sides would not be able to afford his transfer fee.

“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,” he said.

“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.”