Chelsea to increase bid for Asmir Begovic

 

Following the departure of former number one, Petr Cech. The Premier League champions are in search of a goalkeeper to challenge Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea are preparing to make an improved £8million bid for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Stoke have already turned down a £6million approach from thePremier League champions, who is wanted to replace new Arsenalsigning Petr Cech.

However, Stoke are still demanding more for the 28-year-old shot-stopper, despite the Bosnia-Herzegovina international having just one-year left on his deal.

Chelsea lost experienced stopper, Petr Cech to their London rivals, Arsenal recently and want Begovic as his replacement.

The Blues had an initial offer turned down for the 28-year-old but now, according to The Telegraph, are set to table an improved deal.

The Telegraph write: "Chelsea will weigh in with another proposal but Stoke are determined to maintain a stubborn stance," whilst "insisting they want one of Mourinho's players on a season's loan as part of the deal."

Jose Mourinho's side and Manchester United are going head-to-head to land him after the Stoke star revealed he wanted a move away from the Britannia Stadium.

United, who are still waiting to see what happens with David de Geaand his decision to join Real Madrid or not, might not be so keen for one of their targets to resolve his future so soon.

Begovic is reportedly happy to play second fiddle to first-choiceThibaut Courtois, despite United offering him a better chance of first-team football should David De Gea be sold to Real Madrid.

England U21 captain Jack Butland is likely to succeed Begovic as the Stoke number one if the Bosnia International leaves the Potters.

Falcao close to loan deal

Radamel Falcao, who has featured im the Copa America, has tied up the formalities of his transfer to Chelsea, according to The Guardian report.

The Red Devils flop will now link up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of North America.

The Premier League champions reportedly agreed to pay the on-loan striker £180,000-a-week, with the deal set to be announced within the next few days.