By GRAHAM HILL
The £15million-rated Begovic has been watched by a string of clubs all season with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen on the Bosnian.
But now he looks set to be the long-term replacement for the Kop’s Spanish keeper Pepe Reina.
Begovic, 25, gave an interview in Bosnia in which he claimed he would be joining Liverpool in July for pre-season training.
He said: “I want to start preparing on July 10, with all the players of Liverpool.” Following the departure of veteran boss Pulis, 55, after seven years in charge of the Potters for a second spell, Begovic seems to have decided the time is right for him to also move.
Pulis made it clear last season that former Portsmouth shot stopper Begovic did not have to be sold.
But Stoke have a ready-made replacement with young England keeper Jack Butland, 20, ready to come in from Midlands rivals Birmingham.
