Transfer News: Asmir Begovic Happy to Stay at Stoke Despite Interest From Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal

Jun 12, 2013 11:52 PM EDT

Asmir Begovic played down reports of an impending move away in the summer, expressing his happiness at Stoke City.

Begovic has been heavily linked with moves to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal this summer, with the former, in particular, thought to be seriously considering a bid for the goalkeeper if Pepe Reina leaves Anfield.

However, Begovic insisted he is quite happy at Stoke and is looking forward to next season.

"I am happy to be here and I am happy to stay here," he told Stoke Sentinel. "I am looking forward to reporting back in preseason, meeting the new manager and staff and cracking on with the new season.

"The most important thing is I am at a club where I am settled and I feel comfortable. Everyone has been really good to me and the chairman has been fantastic so I can't really complain."

New manager Mark Hughes will be spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping department if Begovic does stay, with January signing Jack Butland expected to fight for a place, while Thomas Sorensen brings with him bags of Premier League experience.

Begovic, who was named the Stoke player of the season, though, is relishing the competition.

"Jack is a good up and coming keeper and everyone knows about Thomas and the qualities he has," Begovic added. "We have a strong group of goalkeepers and I am looking forward to being part of it."

Manchester United are unlikely to make a bid, with David De Gea showing tremendous form last season, while Arsenal are thought to be closing in on a move for QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Liverpool look like the most likely candidates, but everything will depend on whether Reina leaves or not, with Barcelona heavily linked with a move for the Spanish international.

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