Chelsea poised to sign Asmir Begovic as Stoke City wrap up Shay Given deal and get Marco van Ginkel on loan

Stoke City have signed Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on loan and secured the services of veteran goalkeeper Shay Given, deals that should pave the way for Asmir Begovic's move to Stamford Bridge.

On Friday 10 July the Guardian reported Jose Mourinho's side were close to striking an £8m deal with the Potters for Begovic, who is to act as Thibaut Courtois' understudy following the departure of Petr Cech.

It was suggested Stoke would only sign off on the deal if they were able to bring in their own goalkeeping cover first, with 22-year-old van Ginkel joining too to sweeten the deal.

Mark Hughes' side have since confirmed deals for both players, with van Ginkel joining on a season-long loan while 39-year-old Given has signed a two-year deal at the Britannia Stadium, after being released by Aston Villa.

"I know Shay particularly well from our time together at Manchester City and I'm really looking forward to working with him again," Hughes told Stoke's official website.

"He will not only be a great asset on the pitch as an outstanding goalkeeper but he's also a fantastic character to have in the dressing room and around the Club – a true professional."

Begovic has reportedly make it clear he wishes to make the move to the Premier League champions and the arrival of Given now allows the club to cash in on the 28-year-old, who has also entered the final year of his contract.

Van Ginkel meanwhile comes in to help fill the void left by Steven Nzonzi, who has left Stoke to join Europa League champions Sevilla.

Van Ginkel, capped once for the senior Netherlands side, spent last season on loan at AC Milan.

Chelsea's only major business of the summer so far has been the sale of Cech, who joined London rivals Arsenal, and the arrival of Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco.