Mark Hughes has said that he does not expect Asmir Begovic to leave Stoke City during this summer's transfer window.
It has been speculated that a number of clubs are interested in the Bosnian goalkeeper, was has most recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The manager said at his pre-match press conference: "There will be a lot of stories bandied about, but I would take that one with a pinch of salt to be perfectly honest. I don't think that is true.
"We are scheduled to have talks with Asmir's people in the next few weeks I think. I think both parties have stated that probably at the end of the season those talks will come to a conclusion, and we are very hopeful Asmir will stay here.
"There will be speculation around better players at football clubs, and we are no different. He has attracted attention because he is an outstanding goalkeeper."
Begovic is out of contract at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Sian Cowper
