Chelsea have had a bid for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic rejected, sources have told ESPN FC.

Begovic, 28, has been identified as the Premier League champions' top target to replace Petr Cech following the Czech Republic international's move to Arsenal.

Chelsea previously tried to sign Begovic as an understudy Cech, but they are now hoping to bring the former Portsmouth man to Stamford Bridge to be No. 2 to Thibaut Courtois.

Begovic's future at Stoke has been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks, with the Bosnia-Herzegovina international entering the final year of his contract at the Britannia Stadium and no sign of a new deal being agreed.

Contract talks with Stoke have stalled after months of negotiations, and a number of clubs have been monitoring Begovic's situation.

Stoke City have received a firm offer from Chelsea for Asmir Begovic. no_source

Aston Villa have also seen a bid rejected for Begovic and now Chelsea have tested Stoke's resolve with a firm offer.

The bid thought to be in the region of £6 million has been turned down by Stoke, with the Potters reported to be holding out for a fee closer to £10 million for the shot-stopper.

Begovic is reported to have reservations about moving to a club to be second choice, but Chelsea are keen to hold talks to try and convince him to make the move to West London.