Chelsea are moving closer to signing Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and have offered midfielder Marco van Ginkel in part exchange, sources have told ESPN FC.
As ESPN FC revealed last month, Chelsea identified Begovic as their top target to replace Petr Cech following the Czech international's move to Arsenal.
Stoke confirmed Dutchman Van Ginkel's loan on Friday evening, as they also signed Shay Given as a possible replacement for Begovic.
#scfc delighted to announce the signing of Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan from Chelsea http://t.co/1g3H2sHH6f pic.twitter.com/AnI60YkxlZ
- Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 10, 2015
The Premier League champions saw an initial £6 million bid rejected by Stoke, but are now confident that an improved offer of £8 million plus Van Ginkel will seal the move.
Chelsea have had a long-standing interest in Begovic, having previously tried to sign the Bosnian as an understudy to Cech a few years ago.
Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in a quality experienced goalkeeper as back-up to Thibaut Courtois and former Portsmouth keeper Begovic, who joined Stoke in 2010, fits the bill.
The Potters have decided to cash in on Begovic, with the player entering the final year of his contract and talks over a new deal reaching stalemate.