Begovic not for sale; Rojo delighted to join Man Utd

Stoke City F.C. manager Mark Hughes has ruled out the possibility of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic leaving the club during the current transfer window.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, 27, has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the English Premier League over the past few seasons, earning interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in recent times.

When asked whether Begovic may be sold this summer, Hughes said, “We don’t anticipate any movement from our point of view, it’s not a discussion to be had.

“Begovic will be here and he’ll be our keeper. That’s how I want it to remain to be honest. It’s hands off if anyone comes in.

“His next move won’t be a sideways one to a club on the same level. It will be one of the top clubs in world football.”

Begovic, whose current contract at the Britannia Stadium is due to expire in the summer of 2016, has warded off competition from England international Jack Butland to retain his place in goal for the Potters.

Butland has spent time on loan at Birmingham City, Barnsley and Leeds United since arriving on Stoke-on-Trent in a deal worth £3.3 million in January 2013.

“I’d like to nail him [Begovic] down to a new contract, but I’m not sure if there have been any discussions yet,” added Hughes.

Rojo delighted to join Man Utd

Argentina international defender Marcos Rojo has expressed his delight after completing a €20 move from Sporting CP to Manchester United.

Rojo, 24, did enough at the World Cup in Brazil this summer to catch the eye of new manager Louis van Gaal, who has rewarded the Argentine with a five-year deal.

“I’m very pleased to be here at the biggest club in the world,” said Rojo. “It’s a very great honour and I’m very pleased to bring the best I can to this club.

“It was a little bit hard and a long process. It was complicated but the most important thing is that I’m here now and I’m happy. I’m ready.

“For me it’s certainly the most important football league in the world and I’ve always watched it. One important aspect is there are a lot of young players that come here with a view to improving their game. I hope I can be among them.

“I’ve received congratulations from all of the [Argentina players at Manchester City] saying welcome to Manchester. I know them outside of football as well so they’ve been in contact.”

Rojo, who has yet to officially obtain a work permit, is unavailable for tomorrow’s league match at Sunderland.

Meanwhile, midfield quartet Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Maroune Fellaini and Michael Carrick are four of seven United players who will miss the trip to the Stadium of Light due to injury.