Begovic staying at Stoke

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic insists he will not be leaving Stoke in the January transfer window.

Begovic has been touted as a transfer target for English Premier League leaders Manchester United, while Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have also reportedly shown interest.

Despite growing speculation the Bosnian is keen to complete a move to United, the 25-year-old said he was likely to remain at Britannia Stadium and is looking ahead to the rest of the season.

“As far as I know (I am staying at Stoke) yes,” he told Sky Sports News. “I’m in for training today so I’m looking forward to staying and looking forward to the game at the weekend.

“I don’t see anything happening now. I think that time’s passed. I’m just concentrating on what I need to do here.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has been linked with a move for Birmingham keeper Jack Butland, with reports suggesting the club are poised to make a formal bid after the 19-year-old rejected Chelsea due to the prospect of no first-team football.

Begovic said the Englishman’s arrival would be great for the club and would only add to the healthy competition for the starting position in between the goalposts.

“(I’m) looking forward to it,” he said. “If he comes in he’s another great talent.

“Obviously we have a good group of goalkeepers already here and it’ll be good to have the competition around. I would welcome him if he comes, for sure, he’s a big talent and I’m sure he’d make us better.”

Stoke face stiff competition for the youngster’s signature with Southampton and Everton both failing to land the player in the off-season, and with Liverpool, Fulham, Newcastle and City also on alert.