United Target Expects Summer Departure

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic expects to leave the club in the summer following the signing of England international Jack Butland but admits no deal has been struck with Manchester City or Manchester United.

The Bosnian stopper has kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season helping Stoke into 10<sup>th place with another season in the top flight all but assured.

On deadline day in the January transfer window, The Potters confirmed the signing of Butland from Birmingham with the 19 year old going back on loan at The Championship side for the remainder of the season before returning ahead of the new season.

And Begovic, who had been linked with a move to Arsenal and United, believes Butland will be the Stoke No.1 next season, rendering him surplus for requirements at the Britannia Stadium.

"I read in the papers that I said no to City and yes to United," Begovic told 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 believe that Stoke didn't buy Butland to be a reserve so I think I'm going to be sold in the summer.

"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.

"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."

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly ready to allow David de Gea to leave the club at the end of the season, with the Spaniard understood to be struggling to adapt to English football with a string of high-profile errors last season undermining the club's attempts to win the Premier League title.

While this season has represented an improvement in De Gea's fortunes, an uncertain display against Tottenham Hotspur in January appears to be the last straw.

De Gea joined United from Athletico Madrid in the summer of 2011 after the retirement of Edwin van der Sar.

The Spain Under-21 international played a pivotal role in United going nine points clear of City in the Premier League title race at the weekend, after a 1-0 win at Fulham, as the champions drew with Liverpool.