ESPN: Begovic unbothered by speculation

Asmir Begovic remains committed to Stoke City and is determined to play a vital part in the future stages of Tony Pulis' development of the club.

Begovic's excellent early-season form has generated interest from Manchester United and Liverpool in recent weeks, but the 25-year-old insists he will not be distracted by speculation about his future.

He has established himself as Pulis' first-choice keeper this season ahead of Thomas Sorensen and has been ever-present in the Premier League, conceding 12 goals in 15 games - the second best record in the division behind champions Manchester City.

Begovic is aware of the speculation concerning Liverpool and Manchester United and said: "As far as I know it's all speculation. It's always nice when the biggest teams in the world are looking at you.

"It's a compliment, but it doesn't mean anything. We keep our feet on the ground here and the manager wouldn't let that change.

"I have three-and-a-half years on my contract and I am concentrating on playing and staying in the team and trying to help the team be successful. I am happy here so there are no issues with that."

Pulis paid £3.25 million to Portsmouth in January 2010 to beat Tottenham to his signature and Begovic is on course to beat the record of 14 clean sheets that Stoke recorded in the Premier League in 2009-10, although he is eager to share the credit.

"You attack and defend as a team," he said. "We take pride in working hard on both aspects of the game and things are going well for us. Clean sheets are always a great bonus, but ultimately it is all about the three points."

Source: ESPN