Everton to bid for Chelsea backup goalie Begovic?

Tim Howard returning to the USA over the summer seems to be Everton's worst kept secret nowadays. Now British media sources are claiming that the Blues are looking to Chelsea's Asmir Begović to replace the American. The rumored transfer fee is £8million, which is quite reasonable for a starting XI goalie.

Begović got the starting role for the London club while Thibaut Courtois was out injured for two months earlier this season, and kept Chelsea from slipping into the relegation zone with some excellent performances. However, Courtois waltzed right back between the posts like Toffees have seen Howard do time after time, and Begović now wants out.

The Bosnian shotstopper left Stoke City and signed a four-year, £60,000-a-week deal at the beginning of this season, but could be intrigued by the prospect of playing alongside his countryman Muhamed Besic. His competition at Everton would be Joel Robles, who has not necessarily established himself as a world-class keeper.

Courtois has hit a rich vein of form since his return to the side and it's unlikely Begović would get another chance to start short of the Belgian getting injured again. Since Guus Hiddink has taken over for Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, the 28-year-old Begović has only played once, in an FA Cup game.

It remains to be seen if Everton will look to have a proven commodity like Begović take the critical goalkeeper's position, or if they will roll the dice and look to the continent to replace Howard.