Tony Pulis is busy assembling his summer hit-list of transfer targets as he prepares for Europe - but the uncertainty over Asmir Begovic refuses to go away.While Pulis is desperate to recruit proven quality to make a real splash in the Europa League next season, doubts still remain over the highly-rated Stoke goalkeeper.
Begovic has been steady enough in his first full season at the Britannia Stadium, taking the No.1 jersey and condemning his far more experienced rival Thomas Sorensen to the bench when Stoke are competing in the league.
At times, he has made mistakes while at times he has also been impressive. But he remains one of the most coveted goalkeepers in the Premier League and Pulis is bracing himself for a summer of steady interest from other clubs.
Chelsea failed with a substantial offer for the Bosnia international last summer, believed to be around £5 million, and are expected to return as they step up their search for Petr Cech's long-term successor.
Spurs are also keen admirers, with Harry Redknapp still nursing a burning sense of injustice after missing out on Begovic in January 2010. With Heurelho Gomes fluttering his eyelids at PSV Eindhoven, Redknapp could be in the market for a new goalkeeper and remains very keen on Begovic. It is not inconceivable that Manchester City may also come in for the 23-year-old. Shay Given seems certain to leave this summer after running out of patience playing second fiddle to Joe Hart and it is widely thought in the game that there are not many better young keepers than Stoke's £3.25 million signing.
The question is: will Stoke sell? Peter Coates remains one of the most sensible chairmen in the league and his stance on selling players has always stayed the same.
He has constantly stated he will only entertain "head-turning" offers and it would probably take £10 million to persuade him to sell Begovic.
Pulis will not want to lose him either but knows Stoke are in the box seat and can demand ridiculous money for a keeper who is still in the embryonic stages of his career.
What he doesn't need is a repeat of last season, when Begovic went on strike in an attempt to force through his move to Stamford Bridge.
Pulis alluded to black ops at the time, insisting that "people" were turning Begovic's head in a conspiratorial tone that made him sound like a character out of The Shadow Line.
The difference now is that Begovic should be more settled after claiming the top spot, playing more regularly with European football - however much maligned the competition - on offer next season.
It remains to be seen how much the likes of Chelsea and Spurs want him. One thing is for sure, though - Stoke will be looking to at least triple the transfer fee they paid Portsmouth.
