Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Asmir Begovic, Hugo Lloris Rumours

Manchester United could muscle in on Chelsea’s pursuit of Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, according to reports.

As noted by Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline, Blues boss Jose Mourinho had previously cited the Bosnia and Herzegovina international as the man to replace Petr Cech in his squad. But apparently Chelsea have “concerns” that the Red Devils will hijack a potential move if David De Gea joins Real Madrid.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The piece goes on to say that Mourinho “wants a deal wrapped up as soon as possible” to prevent a bidding war for the player.

Whether Begovic goes to Chelsea or United, they’d be getting one of the Premier League’s most improved goalkeepers. The 28-year-old has an abundance of qualities which set him aside from the average man between the sticks, tackling all of his duties with purpose and assurance.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, he’s one of the best out-and-out shot-stoppers in the division too:

Mokbel wrote that Begovic hasn’t made his mind up on a move to Chelsea yet and that’s understandable. After all, does he possess enough quality to oust the immaculate Thibaut Courtois? Or in 12 months will we be pointing to another Blues goalkeeper too talented to be sat on the bench?

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp thinks the choice is a simple one for Begovic:

If De Gea does go, United will have a massive void to fill at the base of their team. Victor Valdes may have once been capable of doing so, but the former Barcelona man remains something of an unknown quantity after his significant injury layoffs. Begovic, meanwhile, is of proven Premier League quality.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Should the Red Devils swoop and offer the Bosnian the chance to become the main man between the sticks, then it’s a chance he would surely jump at. But for United, although Begovic is a very capable ‘keeper, you suspect a world-class talent will be chased in their attempts to fill the gap that'd be left by the Spaniard’s potential departure.

United a Sideways Step for Lloris, Says Raymond Domenech

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

One player who fits into that elite category is Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris, who has previously been touted as a potential option for the Red Devils, per Declan Warrington of the MailOnline.

But as noted in the aforementioned piece, former France boss Raymond Domenech, who gave the ex-Lyon man his international debut, doesn’t think the Red Devils are big enough for Lloris and another giant of the English game should look to capture him:

"

I have no decision to take for him, but in my opinion he has to play in Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City, to play in the European Cup

Tottenham is a big club – it is not the biggest. Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, but I can't see really the difference with Tottenham.

For me, it's Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City. Because I think Manchester United is no more a big club, in England, for me. I think like that. I think Arsenal will be every time a big club, Chelsea also – City is becoming a big club – but I think United is with Tottenham, with the other clubs. Not one of the biggest clubs, so there's no difference.

"

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

While there are plenty who would dispute Domenech’s claim that the Red Devils are no longer a “big club,” Lloris is definitely a goalkeeper capable of playing at the very highest level.

Since moving to Spurs Lloris has established himself as one of the best players in the division. He possesses refined shot-stopping instincts, composure in tough situations and when coming off his line, the Frenchman has been razor sharp to shut opposition forwards down.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Here’s how he compared with De Gea late on last season, per Squawka Football:

If United are chasing a goalkeeper capable of seamlessly filling the void De Gea would potentially leave, there are few better suited than the Frenchman. He knows what is required to thrive in the abrasive landscape of English football and although Spurs are building a bright young side, regardless of what Domenech may think, United command a superior gravitas.

The Londoners are notoriously tough negotiators and the Red Devils would surely have to put together a hugely lucrative package if they were to land Lloris. But if Madrid come calling for United’s No. 1, it’d be no surprise if Van Gaal went immediately on the hunt for Tottenham’s.