The Manchester City Project

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Begovic. The News Of The World claim that City will go head to head with Chelsea to try and sign the stopper.

Stoke City have recently turned down a £4 million approach from Chelsea and are now bracing themselves for further bids.

City will not want to find themselves in the same position as last year if they suffer a goalkeeping injury crisis. Shay Given has already pubicily stated that he would seek a move to find first team football if Hart was handed the number 1 shirt.

It would be great if Given stayed with the club during the long season ahead. However Celtic are currently favourites to loan Given with City unwilling to let the stopper move to a Premiership rival.

Begovic would be an attractive proposition for City as he is 23-years-old and qualifies as a home-grown player. Stoke are determined to hold onto Begovic who will be fighting to keep his place as first choice keeper.

Regarding the bid from Chelsea, Stoke manager Tony Pulis told The Sentinel: "They have enquired, but they have been told he is not for sale. We are trying to bring players in, not let our better players go."