Monday 30 June 2014 13:22, UK
Asmir Begovic is happy where he is and has been offered no indication that he will be leaving Stoke City this summer.
Each passing transfer window brings a fresh round of speculation regarding the goalkeeper’s future.
Clubs across Europe are said to be closely monitoring his situation, with Real Madrid the latest to be linked with a big-money approach.
Begovic, though, is reading little into the rumours, having grown accustomed to them.
Having returned from the World Cup finals with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 27-year-old is expecting to start pre-season with Stoke and will be happy to form part of Mark Hughes’ plans in 2014/15 if required.
As far as I’m concerned this is where I’ll be, this is where I see my future and I’m excited about training in a couple of weeks or so.
Begovic told talkSPORT: “As far as I’m concerned I will (start the season at Stoke).
“I’ve obviously just got home from Brazil. My first thoughts are to rest and recuperate and get myself ready for pre-season, which for me starts in three weeks.
“As far as I’m concerned this is where I’ll be, this is where I see my future and I’m excited about training in a couple of weeks or so.”
Begovic has also been impressed by the transfer business completed by Stoke since the end of last season, with former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers striker Mame Biram Diouf among those to have been drafted in.
He added: “I’m definitely excited. Mame Diouf is a big signing for us.
“He’s going to be a big forward in this league and a great player. We’ve definitely strengthened that squad and it’s something we can look forward to for next season.
“The best part is that the signings have been made at the right time. When pre-season starts we can really kick off and get down to the tactical work straight away. Hopefully we can then hit the ground running. It’s exciting times here.”
