Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has admitted that former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini wanted him to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Ex-assistant boss David Platt claimed during the summer that Mancini, who was sacked by the club following their FA Cup final defeat, wanted Begovic to rival goalkeeper Joe Hart.

"As for Manchester City, when Mancini was on the bench, we were very close to an agreement," Sarajevo-based newspaper Dnevni Avaz quotes Begovic as saying.

"The transfer was not realised due to several reasons but the main one was the departure of the Italian manager."

Begovic has also stated that he is likely to remain with the Potters until the end of the season.