Asmir Begovic linked to Chelsea

We know Chelsea are looking at options to improve their backup goalkeeper situation, having already seen an approach for young England international Jack Butland denied because the player wants to be first choice. Chelsea will still need a new deputy for Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois going forward though, as both Ross Turnbull and Henrique Hilario are out of contract at the end of the season.

With that in mind, several outlerts have decided to link Chelsea to a player that we've chased several times in the past. Asmir Begovic has been a long standing target for Michael Emenalo, although the player himself doesn't seem to believe a move today is likely:

'As far as I know (I am staying at Stoke) yes. 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.'

Begovic has been one of the best keepers in the Premier League this season, and I'd be surprised if Stoke were motivated to move him in the January window. With that said, Stoke are one of the teams interested in adding Jack Butland, and I could see Begovic becoming available if they make progress towards that move.

Like the Butland situation, I'd be a bit surprised to see Begovic willing to be a backup, although he's shown some willingness to do so in the past. He's now proven capable of starting regularly for all but a handful of clubs in the Premier League, so I'd be shocked to see him trade the Stoke City starting job for a bench role at Chelsea. That said, stranger things have happened, and he'd immediately become the best backup goalkeeper on the planet. I guess we'll have to wait and see on this one.

Update: There are quite a few rumors circulating now that Stok