Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is keen to force through a transfer to Stamford Bridge despite the possibility of spending the season on the bench.


Stoke boss Mark Hughes had previously believed that the Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper would have preferred the guarantee of first team football next season, but now is resigned to losing the 28-year old.

Premier League Champions Chelsea are looking to immediately replace Petr Cech as club No.2 after he left West London for Arsenal after sitting on the bench behind Thibaut Courtois for much of last season.

If Begovic is to sign for the Blues, his arrival may be followed by Ausburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, who is reportedly close to sealing a £15million move.