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Liverpool set to trump Arsenal and Manchester United for Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic
STOKE goalkeeper Asmir Begovic looks to be on his way to Liverpool after he reportedly passed up interest from Arsenal to move to Anfield.
Begovic has had an impressive season for Stoke, but after Tony Pulis' sacking the shot-stopper was said to be considering his options, raising the spectre of a summer departure.
Manchester United have been linked to the 25-year-old during this campaign, but it appears he has ignored their interest and that of Arsenal to join Liverpool.
"I want to start preparing on July 10 with all the players of Liverpool," Begovic is quoted to have told Bosnian newspaper Dnevni Avaz.
The report suggest that Begovic is being lined up by Reds manager Brendan Rodgers to replace Pepe Reina, who is attracting interest from Barcelona.
Reina recently claimed he was happy on Merseyside, although Atletico Madrid are also thought to be keen on signing the Spaniard.
While Arsenal maintain hope of negotiating for Begovic, the player's desire to join Liverpool could see them push through a move for other goalkeeping target Victor Valdes, who wants to leave Barcelona to play abroad.