'Let's see' - QPR could beat Celtic, Newcastle United and West Ham to transfer

QPR could beat heavyweight competition from Celtic, Newcastle United and West Ham to tie veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic down to a new deal at Loftus Road.

The former Chelsea and Stoke City shot-stopper penned a one-year contract with the R's last summer and featured regularly over the Championship season. Begovic captained the side and played every minute of the second tier season until the final day of the campaign, when youngster Joe Walsh was handed a first league start.

The 36-year-old was criticised at times by QPR supporters when the side struggled but retained the backing of head coach Marti Cifuentes as he became a key figure in the club's fight for Championship survival.

With Begovic's deal now up, who takes the starting role between the sticks remains up in the air at Loftus Road. The Bosnian has not yet put pen to paper on a new deal and the club has been linked with a move for wantaway Nigerian international Stanley Nwabali.

Begovic himself has been linked with interest from several high profile clubs, hushing any doubt over the player's pedigree. Scottish giants Celtic were one of the first sides said to be looking at a move for the free agent and the Shields Gazette added that Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Bournemouth and West Ham held interest in the goalkeeper.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Begovic has now confronted those rumours and appeared to hint that he may be keen to stay at Loftus Road despite interest, to continue as a part of the Cifuentes project in west London.

He said: “I am currently looking at options, talking to obviously QPR and see what happens there, see what happens in the next few weeks, it is still pretty early in the transfer window. Nothing has been decided yet. I am keeping myself fit.

“I really enjoyed last year, the fact that I played so many games. In the second half of the season, for us, the team came together really well. Let’s see if we can keep this group of players together, have another run at it next year, see what else is out there and take it from there.”