Friday, 14th March, 2014
Real Madrid have not been in contact with Stoke City over signing Asmir Begovic, boss Mark Hughes has insisted.
It had been speculated recently that the Spanish giants have set their sights on the Potters custodian. But if that is the case they have not informed the English outfit of their plans yet.
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Hughes was quoted as saying by ITV: "I'm not sure where the story originates from, but certainly there has been no contact between the clubs."
However, the Stoke boss explained he would not be at all surprised if Real Madrid are running the rule over his side's number 1, though stressed he does not want to lose the shot-stopper.
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"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."
The 26-year-old Bosnia international joined Stoke in 2010 from fellow English club Portsmouth.
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