Potters Make First January Signing

Last updated : 01 February 2010 By Dan Buxton

Stoke have signed Portsmouth keeper Asmed Begovic for £3.5m.

The deal comes after a day of differing stories where the Potters reportedly agreed terms with the keeper only to have Portsmouth reject the deal demanding £5m.

As the deadline approached cash strapped Portsmouth decided to accept the Potters bid and the deal was done with moments to spare.

City had targeted Portsmouth's other main keeper David James earlier this month but decided to go for the younger Bosnian stopper on a permanent transfer.

The Potters had to fight off the advances of Tottenham Hotspur for Begovic's services and reports today were that Chelsea had contacted Pompey about the youngster, a move that possibly led to Portsmouth rejecting the earlier City bid.