Stoke City summer transfer dossier: Asmir Begovic future key to Potters summer

Business so far

The Potters have been among the most active of any of the Premier League elite. Deals have been agreed for two players, goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard and defender Philipp Wollscheid, who joins on a permanent contract after a season-long loan spell. Just days before the season ended, Phil Bardsley was handed a new three-year deal.

Among the players to bite the dust after Wilson Palacios, Thomas Sorensen and Andy Wilkinson, while nine youth players have also been shown the door.

What they need

If Bojan Krkic is indeed ruled out for the start of the season, Stoke are badly in need of an individual with the quality to turn the club from a mid-table team into regular Europa League qualification contenders. To assist that effort, greater creativity from midfield is also needed with Steve Sidwell, Glenn Whelan and Steven N'Zonzi all offering similar traits.

Who could join

Since becoming a mainstay in the top flight, Stoke have regularly been able to attract a high echelon of player and this summer is no exception. Out-of-contract Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay, Ukraine winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and Sampdoria's Stefano Okaka have all been linked with a move to Mark Hughes's side but whether that interest will be followed by a move is yet to be seen.

Who could leave

Asmir Begovic's future continues to be the subject of speculation, particularly after the Bosnian was left out of the Stoke squad for the draw at Burnley on the penultimate weekend of the season. Begovic, worth a reported £8m, has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League and both Arsenal and Manchester United – who may need to replace David de Gea this summer – have been persistently linked with the 27-year-old.

What the manager has said

"A lot of clubs may have a punt this year and we know if we stand still we might be overtaken," Hughes said.

"So we are fully aware of what we need to do this summer. I want to be a team that's consistently in the top 10. Two years is getting close to that [after successive ninth-place finishes] and if we can get a good run with injuries, can we push to Europe?

"We've got a good squad, so we will just look to add to the quality. We are looking for talent to improve the top end of the squad. We've got good depth, but I would like to increase the quality of the first 11 if we can."