Manchester United enter race to sign Chelsea FC target Asmir BegoviAi??

With David de Geaa s move to Real Madrid likely to eventually go through this summer, Manchester United will be on the lookout for a keeper, and Chelsea FC target Asmir Begovi is the latest to be linked with the English giants

The goalkeeper merry-go-round of the summer transfer window was set in motion by Chelsea FC legend Petr A?ech when he completed his move to city rivals Arsenal FC last month. That has now left Jos Mourinho seeking a back-up keeper, with Stoke Citya s Asmir Begovi reportedly close to a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, it appears that Manchester United have decided to throw a spanner in the works and could compete with Chelsea FC for the Bosnia and Herzegovina internationala s signature. Dutch manager Louis van Gaal has apparently influenced the tough stand that Manchester United have taken with respect to David de Gea and Real Madrida s interest, but the Red Devils could well be looking for a new no.1 before the transfer window is shut.

According to English newspaper The Daily Mail, Manchester United are considering the Stoke City shot-stopper to replace De Gea, potentially offering him the starting role unlike Chelsea FC. Although Van Gaal has Victor Valdes waiting in the wings, it is likely that the Red Devils will look for a new no.1, and Begovi would be an excellent option considering the Bosniana s quality and consistency over the past few seasons in the Premier League.

Chelsea FC have reportedly been in talks with Stoke City for quite a while now, with a fee of around A?8m likely to be agreed upon, but Manchester United could match the Blues monetarily, and more saliently, could offer Begovi first-team football.

What the Red Devils dona t have on their side, however, is time. Mourinho will try and push through the deal as quickly as possible a especially if Manchester United are interested a and Van Gaala s stance with De Gea means that it is quite unlikely they will make a move for a keeper before the Spaniarda s future is sorted.

With Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also likely to be considered by United, it remains to be seen whether their interest in Begovi is serious enough for an official bid to be made. If not, it seems increasingly likely that it will be Belgian Thibaut Courtois who will be competing with Begovi for a first-team spot.