10 Players You Probably Didn't Know Man City Almost Signed
10. Asmir Begovic
As we all know, Joe Hart's Manchester City career report card doesnt read without a few blemishes etched across it. Following his debut in 2006, the 27 year old England No. 1 has spent time in the nether regions of English football, gaining experience at Tranmere and Blackpool, before taking in a loan stint in the top-flight with Birmingham City.
However, while Roberto Mancinis decision to instate him as the clubs first-choice keeper in 2010 paid dividends, in that it cleared the path for Hart to claim the 11/12 Golden Glove for a season of perceived excellence, his form had dipped dramatically in the second half of the season.
His performances at the beginning of last season were once again up for debate, as the boisterous goalkeeper came in for a media backlash ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Following a string of high-profile errors, new boss Manuel Pellegrini put the former Shrewbury Town keeper out of misery, by withdrawing him from the spotlight, and forcing him to watch from the bench for the next month. However, with all of these errors and concerns piling up, just how close was Hart to an exit?
While the 27 year old shampoo enthusiast was enduring a month to forget in November of last year, Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic thought it an opportune moment to declare how close he had come to a move to the Etihad Stadium during the summer.
''When Mancini was on the bench, we were very close to an agreement. The transfer was not realised due to several reasons but the main one was the departure of the Italian manager. Asmir Begovic, 2013.
Manchester City assistant David Platt had previously stated that had the wielding axe not fallen upon Mancinis neck, Joe Hart wouldnt be there, stating that a deal for the Stoke City goalkeeper was in the pipeline.
The Bosnian international, famed for scoring from his own box against Southampton, is certainly a quality goalkeeper, capable of plying his trade for any of the top four sides. As every transfer window draws closer, the Stoke City board braces itself for the onslaught of potential bids from the elite, encircling the talented goalie like hungry vultures.