Report: Chelsea looking to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic

Chelsea have earmarked Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as a replacement for Petr Cech, according to reports.

The 27-year-old is out of contract next summer and said to be interested in a move after being left out of three of the club's last four matches by Mark Hughes.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho sees Begovic as a high-quality understudy to Thibaut Courtois should Cech leave Stamford Bridge, but Stoke are trying to persuade the Bosnian to remain at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters finished ninth in the Premier League last season.