Harry Redknapp has encouraged Manchester United to pursue Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Begovic is widely expected to leave Stoke this summer after refusing to sign an extension to his current contract at the Britannia Stadium which is set to run out next year.

Premier League champions Chelsea have been touted as the most likely destination for Begovic in recent times and reports have already claimed that the Bosnia-Herzegovina international is on the verge of making a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, ex-Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has said that Begovic is too good to be playing as back-up to Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea and instead implored United to go after him as a replacement for David De Gea.

Writing on his blog, Redknapp stated: "I cannot see Asmir Begovic going to Chelsea. He's too good a keeper to be a number two and if he goes to Stamford Bridge then he'll only be Thibaut Courtois' replacement.

"He's a great pro and definitely a top-six team keeper and if, as looks likely, De Gea goes to Real Madrid, then I think Manchester United should look at him, he's that good. If I was Begovic I'd go looking for first team football and he's not going to get that at Chelsea."