Mark Hughes denies Real Madrid approach for Asmir Begovic

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has denied that Real Madrid have made an approach for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Bosnia & Herzegovina international has been consistently linked with a move away from the Potters after impressing in the Premier League.

"I'm not sure where the story originates from, but certainly there has been no contact between the clubs." Hughes told reporters.

"But it wouldn't surprise me if there was a modicum of truth in it - that top teams are looking at Asmir - because he is an outstanding goalkeeper. We are certainly not encouraging it. Asmir is a huge part of what we are trying to do here.

"We are very fortunate that he is here and contracted to us. In that regard we have a position of strength. But he is an ambitious player and I'm sure he wants at some point to test himself at the highest level possible, in the Champions League."

Begovic joined Stoke from Portsmouth in 2010.