Stoke want keeper Asmir Begovic to stay, says chairman Peter Coates
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates says the club are determined to keep hold of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic this summer.
The Bosnian, who has 12 months left on his existing deal, has been linked with a switch to Manchester United and Real Madrid.
But Coates told Sky Sports News HQ that offering the keeper a new deal is top of their list of priorities, along with keeping hold of Steven N’Zonzi and Victor Moses, currently on loan from Chelsea.
He said: “There are some obvious things we want to do. We would like to extend Asmir Begovic’s contract, Jack Butland recently signed a new deal which we’re very pleased about.
“Steven N’Zonzi is a big player for us, we would like to extend his contact. Victor Moses is an interesting [situation] for us, would like to see how the land lies with that one.
“If we can, we would like to do a deal.”
Coates also praised manager Mark Hughes, who signed a new contract on March 27, for his shrewd dealings in the transfer market.
In the last four transfer windows, Hughes has spent the least money in the top flight at around £6m.
Coates said: “That’s to his credit. We had been heavy spenders in the early days in the Premier League as we wanted to make sure we stay up.
“Mark inherited a good squad of players. He said that to me, he said he was surprised at the good set of players he’s got.
“We’ve been fortunate to do some good business and brought in some good players at relatively low cost, you’ve got to be pleased with that as chairman of a Premier League club.”