Arsenal and Chelsea are battling for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Sunday Mirror says although Manchester United have been strongly linked with the £15 million-rated Bosnia international, talk of Begovic moving to Old Trafford as a replacement for David De Gea is being played down by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Gunners' interest in the former Portsmouth number one has intensified over the last few weeks after they failed to secure a deal in the January transfer window.

But it's Chelsea, who have had two previous bids rejected for Begovic, who are strong favourites to land him at the end of the season.