Manchester United ready to beat Chelsea to the signing of Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic

Manchester United are reportedly considering hijacking Chelsea's move for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Potters stopper has been identified by Jose Mourinho as the ideal replacement for Petr Cech, who completed his switch to Arsenal last week.

Chelsea have been in negotiations with Stoke over a transfer fee, but the Blues now fear that Begovic's head could be turned by potential interest from United.

United are on the lookout for a new No 1 at Old Trafford, with David De Gea likely to join Real Madrid this summer.

That gives the Red Devils a huge advantage over Chelsea, who will only be able to offer Begovic a backup role behind first choice stopper Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea have already had a £6m offer for Begovic rejected with the club pondering over a fresh £8m bid.

However, that amount may still not be enough, with the Potters understood to want £10m AND a player on loan from the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Begovic, 28, has made 172 appearances for Stoke since joining in 2009 and has missed just nine Premier League matches in the last three seasons.