Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has admitted he is flattered by speculation linking him with a summer move to Real Madrid, but insists he is ‘happy’ at the Britannia Stadium.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, 26, has been the subject of reported interest from a host of English Premier League clubs in recent times.
In fact, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti tried to sign Begovic on two separate occasions while in charge of Chelsea.
It has been suggested Los Blancos’ No. 1 Diego Lopez will seek pastures new in the summer despite being ahead of compatriot Iker Casillas in the pecking order at the Bernabéu, fueling speculation linking Begovic with a move from Stoke to the Spanish capital.
“I’m proud to read that sort of stuff, but it’s just rumours,” said Begovic.
“There’s nothing official or any contact with anyone from Madrid.
“It’s extraordinary, brilliant, to be linked with a club like that, one of the biggest in the world.
“I’m very happy at Stoke and I have an excellent position here. I only think about my club.
“If you come to me with more than speculation then I’ll give you more specific answers in the future.”
The 26-year-old Bosnian, who is currently keeping highly-rated England international shot-stopper Jack Butland on the sidelines, has kept seven clean sheets in 24 Premier League games for the Potters this term.
Begovic’s next task will be to keep West Ham United at bay on Sunday, with Stoke priced at 12/5 to win to nil.
Cavani happy at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain record signing Edinson Cavani has moved to rubbish reports suggesting he is unhappy with life in France.
The Uruguayan ace, 27, has tallied 14 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season but is being overshadowed by the sensational Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is showing no signs of slowing down at 32 years old.
Ibra has hit a league-best 23 goals, nine more than Cavani (second most), and 11 assists, two more than AS Monaco No. 10 James Rodríguez, in 2013/14.
Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Cavani and it is (was) believed the Red Devils would make a bid for the 27-year-old after the World Cup finals in Brazil.
However, Cavani has maintained he is happy in France despite recent problems in his personal life, which include divorcing his wife.
“I don’t know why they say I am not feeling well here in Paris, but that’s not true,” Cavani told A Bola.
“What we talk about in the dressing room should stay there and the private life of a football player has to remain private.
“I am feeling well in Paris and at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Should he stay or should he go?
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