Real Madrid are reportedly cooling their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Los Blancos have been consistently linked with the Spain international as they look for a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas, but according to The Express they could now turn to another Premier League star instead.
It is believed the Spanish giants have now set their sights on Stoke City stopper Asmir Begovic, who was previously interesting both Liverpool and Arsenal but has been followed by a number of European clubs.
De Gea is yet to extend his contract at Old Trafford, fuelling speculation he could leave at the end of the season, yet Madrid are growing increasingly restless at the situation and are willing to consider other options.
Potters’ boss Mark Hughes is reluctant to let Begovic leave the Britannia Stadium, although any significant offer from the European champions would likely see him powerless to prevent the Bosnian’s departure.
“We want to be a team that’s consistently in the top 10. To do that you need key players in key areas of the field and obviously goalkeeper is one of them.
“Asmir has been exceptional for us for a long time and we are talking to him. Those talks will be concluded in the summer and hopefully they will go in our favour,” said Hughes.
