Begovic was close to City move in the summer

Asmir Begovic has admitted that he was close to securing a move to Manchester City in the summer, the Mirror understands.

The Stoke City shot-stopper, who scored from his own penalty area in the 1-1 draw with Southampton at the weekend, claims that the 2012 Premier League champions were interested in signing him while Roberto Mancini was still manager.

The Bosnia international is again being linked with a transfer to the Etihad Stadium following Joe Hart’s drop in form though Manuel Pellegrini is insistent that the club are not on the lookout for another goalkeeper.

Hart missed his first Premier League game since he established himself as City’s number one as they beat Norwich City 7-0 at the weekend.

Costel Pantilimon is set to keep his place between the posts for this evening’s Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow, and can be backed at a price of 8/11 to help his side keep a third clean sheet in succession.