Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic after making a new improved £8 million bid for the Bosnian, sources have told ESPN FC.
Chelsea have made Begovic their top target as they seek a replacement for Petr Cech following the Czech Republic star's switch to Arsenal.
The Premier League champions saw their initial offer of £6 million for Begovic rejected by Stoke earlier this week, but they remain in talks with the Potters and are confident of reaching a deal for the former Portsmouth man.
Stoke are prepared to sell Begovic this summer with the player entering the final 12 months of his contract and talks for a new deal stalling at the Britannia Stadium.
Aston Villa have also seen a bid rejected for Begovic as they look to lure the 27-year-old to Villa Park, but Chelsea are in pole position to win the race for the talented keeper.
Chelsea are thought to have upped their initial offer to and the Stamford Bridge outfit are optimistic that Stoke will accept the bid to allow them to enter into talks with Begovic.