Wenger Gunning for Stoke keeper Begovic, although Liverpool favourites

Much has been speculated in recent days about the ultimate location for current Stoke number one Asmir Begovic, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all said to be considering a move for the 25-year-old.

Three of those clubs mentioned above are thought to have already made tentative enquiries in the last six months about the availability of the keeper, and Stoke chairman Peter Coates has already said publicly that his side’s talented goalkeeper will be allowed to move on should an appropriate transfer fee be agreed.

A reported price tag of at least £12m will need to be met to prize the Bosnian international away from the Britannia Stadium, but Coates remains hopeful that his shot-stopper will remain between the sticks for the Potters.

With such sums of money being discussed, and with the destination of Liverpool’s Pepe Reina still unknown, the Anfield club appear to have turned their attention towards Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet.

Arsenal may well be the only realistic move for Begovic should he decide that pastures new would be the correct next move in his career development. At 6/1, a move to the Emirates would seem to offer great value as an outside bet.

A move to Chelsea is priced at 12/1 with Ladbrokes, and would certainly come from left field. With Petr Cech still contracted to the Stamford Bridge outfit until 2016, and a whole host of other top goalkeepers on their books, a move to the west London club would seem the most unlikely of the touted outcomes.

With the recent arrival of manager Mark Hughes, the highly-rated stopper may well play safe and stay with the Midlands club and firmly establish himself as Hughes’ first choice between the sticks. He’ll face stiff competition from young England starlet Jack Butland, but the 13/8 available to remain with his current employers looks good value for customers.

 All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing