Transfer news: Stoke City may face battle to keep Asmir Begovic after reported interest from Real Madrid

Keeper could be on his way to Spanish giants

Asmir Begovic in action during Stoke's 1-1 draw with Southampton, in which he opened the scoring (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke City could face a battle to keep their goalkeeper Asmir Begovic this summer following reported interest from Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti is said to be considering a £15m bid for the player he twice tried to sign while in charge of Chelsea, amid reports that he is set to lose current No 1 Diego Lopez to AC Milan following the World Cup.

Stoke are thought to want between £12-15m for their 26-year-old keeper who has also attracted the interest of Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City.

Begovic is currently looking forward to appearing in his first World Cup this summer as Bosnia head to Brazil and the extra exposure is sure to only increase interest in his signature.

That is as long as he performs well in a group that includes Argentina, Nigeria and Iran.

The 26-year-old is thought to be happy at Stoke and would only leave were he to become No 1 goalkeeper at another club.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates was effusive in his praise of the player.

"I firmly believe Asmir has proven over the last few years that he's the best goalkeeper in the Premier League," he said.

"He's ambitious and wants to play at as high a level as he can. We would be reluctant to sell him because you want to keep your best players, but equally you are realistic about things."