Aston Villa have had a bid for Stoke goalkeeper Begovic rejected, according to Sky Sports. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has been the subject of transfer interest from a number of other Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United. Tim Sherwood will be hoping Stoke decide to part ways with Begovic, who has just 12 months remaining on his contract, as Villa look to provide further competition for Brad Guzan. The Potters' rejection of the bid however emphasises that he features prominently in Mark Hughes' plans for next season. Sky Sports are reporting that Stoke are planning to loan out Butland should Begovic commit to Stoke and state that manager Mark Hughes and chief executive Tony Scholes have held discussions with the 27-year-old about his future. Villa's bid for Begovic represents an ambitious if slightly unusual move in the transfer window for the Midlands club, who have already captured Micah Richards on a free transfer. Brad Guzan has been a consistent performer over the past few seasons meaning Villa fans could question an expensive move for Begovic. If they were to sign the the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, though, it would be a high quality addition for Sherwood as he builds a new-look Villa side. Whether or not Begovic would be willing to move to Birmingham remains to be seen, but it is thought he did not respond well to being dropped for Jack Butland at the back-end of last season. Unlike Chelsea and Manchester United Villa could offer Begovic first-team football, but with aspirations of a higher level thought to be on the forefront of the keeper's mind other options may be more favourable. As his contract winds down Stoke will undoubtedly be bracing themselves for further bids for the experienced keeper. Begovic has made 160 appearances for the Potters and has featured in 40 international matches for Bosnia.
