Inter Milan are lining up a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, sources have told ESPN FC.
Begovic is entering the final year of his contract at the Britannia Stadium and talks over a new deal have been put off until the summer.
The 27-year-old has established himself among the better goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Stoke in 2010 from Portsmouth.
The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are thought to be monitoring Begovic's contract situation as they consider bolstering their goalkeeping options.
However, Inter are ready to make a move for Begovic with doubts surrounding the future of Samir Handanovic at the San Siro.
Handanovic has yet to agree a new deal at Inter with his contract due to expire next year, and he has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Inter boss Roberto Mancini is a big fan of Begovic and showed interest in signing the Bosnian while he was manager of Manchester City.
Begovic recently cast doubt on his long-term future at Stoke admitting he would wait until he sees their ambition in the transfer window this summer before making a decision on his own future.
Stoke boss Hughes has repeatedly emphasised his optimism that Begovic will sign a new deal with Stoke this summer.
"We are scheduled to have talks with Asmir's people in the next few weeks I think," . "I think both parties have stated that probably at the end of the season those talks will come to a conclusion, and we are very hopeful Asmir will stay here.
"There will be speculation around better players at football clubs, and we are no different. He has attracted attention because he is an outstanding goalkeeper."
Use a to add a comment, subject to Facebook's and Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms.