Stoke goalkeeper Begovic expects to be sold but has no agreement with Manchester United

Feb 5, 2013 7:35:00 PM

The Bosnia international says there is no deal already in place with the Premier League leaders but predicts a summer departure following Jack Butland's signing in January

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says he expects to be sold in the summer but insists that reports claiming he has agreed a deal to join Manchester United are false.

The Bosnia international has impressed at the Britannia Stadium this season but believes that the Potters have prepared for his departure by signing Jack Butland from Birmingham.

Butland will remain at St Andrew's for the rest of the campaign but Begovic has predicted that the 19-year-old has been lined up as his replacement.

"I read in the papers that I said no to [Manchester] City and yes to United," Begovic told Bosnian newspaper Oslobodjenje. "But the truth is, I haven't decided on anything.

"I didn't say yes or no to anybody. I haven't signed anything - no contract, no pre-contract. But I don't believe that Stoke bought Butland to warm the bench so I think I'm going to be sold in the summer."

Begovic revealed that he was aware of interest from some "top clubs" in his signature and believes that smaller sides would not be able to afford his transfer fee.

"To whom? I can't move to a smaller club and I also know that some top clubs are interested in me. They are also the only ones who can afford the fee," he added.

"Now I'm just happy that January is over. It was a hard month for us, so many rumours. Now, we can focus on our games again."

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