Football: Stoke arrive for Barclays Asia Trophy without Steven N'Zonzi and Asmir Begovic

English Premier League side Stoke City arrived in Singapore on Thursday, ahead of their participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament on July 15 and 18. ST PHOTO: JEREMY LIM
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes during an interview. ST PHOTO: JEREMY LIM

SINGAPORE - English Premier League side Stoke City arrived in Singapore on Thursday, ahead of their participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament on July 15 and 18.

Two Stoke players - Steven N'Zonzi and Asmir Begovic - were conspicuous in their absence. N'Zonzi was given permission to speak to Spanish club Sevilla on a possible transfer, while Begovic's transfer to Chelsea is also edging closer towards completion.

Said team manager Mark Hughes: "N'Zonzi is not here because he has been given permission to speak with Sevilla.

"But we are focused on what we have ahead and we have sufficient midfielders like Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam to fill in."

Stoke will play Everton in the opening game of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the National Stadium.

ljeremy@sph.com.sg

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