Chelsea Transfer News: Asmir Begovic Deal Almost Done, Latest Isco Rumours

Chelsea are poised to wrap up the signing of Asmir Begovic after Stoke City manager Mark Hughes confirmed a deal is close, with news also emerging that the Blues are preparing a big-money move for Real Madrid's Isco.

The Potters wrapped up the signature of ex-Republic of Ireland international Shay Given this week, and Hughes is quoted by ESPN FC as saying Begovic's transfer to Stamford Bridge should go through, but he'll be seeking to tie down the No. 1 spot: "As far as I'm aware he's likely to travel to Chelsea and that will be concluded. ... People are assuming that [he'll settle as deputy] but having worked with Asmir, you'd back his ability and you would think he would challenge and get game time or he wouldn't have gone there."

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Begovic is expected to fill the void left by Petr Cech, who completed a move to north London earlier this summer after it was confirmed he'd be switching to Arsenal.

Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes can't understand the logic behind Begovic agreeing a Chelsea transfer, however, insisting the Bosnia and Herzegovina international should be challenging for the top spot elsewhere:

After rising through the ranks at Portsmouth and Stoke, Begovic has established himself as one of Europe's finest goalkeepers, but the fact remains that Courtois will certainly be seen as Mourinho's No. 1.

As the Mirror's John Cross confirmed last week, Marco van Ginkel has agreed a season-long loan at the Britannia Stadium as part of the deal sending Begovic in the other direction:

While Begovic's chances of starting may not seem great, Blues fans can be overjoyed with the selection of stoppers in their midst as the 28-year-old assuredly serves as an amicable replacement for Cech.

Should Courtois encounter injury or fatigue throughout the campaign, Mourinho will feel confident in knowing another elite option is at hand should Begovic's move go through as expected.

Mourinho Looking to Bernabeu for Isco

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Chlesea's Real Madrid ties have been revived this summer after it emerged former Los Blancos boss Mourinho is hoping to tempt Isco to west London as part of a £35 million deal.

Spanish website Fichajes.net (via Adam Skinner of the Daily Express) alleges the Blues boss has "instructed the Chelsea board to get it done" as he looks to inject a new wave of creativity into his side.

Isco scored four goals in 34 La Liga appearances for Real last season but played the full 90 minutes in only 13 of those outings.

Inside La Liga (h/t the Mirror) reported earlier in the week that Chelsea had already seen a £20 million offer for the Spain international turned down:

"

Real Madrid reject Chelsea's £20m offer for Isco - http://t.co/cXldZpzmra pic.twitter.com/Z5H1GDQj3T

— Inside La Liga (@InsideLaLiga) July 9, 2015"

Skinner's report mentions that Manchester City are also interested in reviving their interest in Isco, who worked with Citizens helmsman Manuel Pellegrini during their time at Malaga.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real won't be in the market to sell Isco, however, after new manager Rafa Benitez contacted the midfielder regarding his importance to the club:

Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express) have reported that Juventus still hold a firm interest in Chelsea star Oscar, who would be competing directly against Isco for playing time.

As long as Brazil international Oscar remains at Stamford Bridge, it's hard to envision another big-name playmaker arriving at the club, but then Chelsea have been known for their extravagance in the past.