Stoke’s City signing of Asmir Begovic could have easily passed us by but in the wake of a most disappointing transfer window, it becomes a talking point and a move that will be analysed by the many Thomas Sorensen fantasy owners.

Begvoic arrives at the Britannia for a fee of £3.25 million but commands a budget price across the fantasy games (4.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game). Ironically he moves clubs shortly after holding down a starting role for Portsmouth following injury to David James. He has started seven of the last eight league games for Avram Grant’s side prior to the defeat at City. In that time he has been allowed to demonstrate the kind of ability that has seen his new manager, Tony Pulis, recognise him as an outstanding young talent.

“I think Asmir is potentially the best young goalkeeper in England and we are absolutely delighted to get him.”

There’s nothing to suggest that Pulis hasn’t capitalised on Portsmouth’s woes to pull off a genuine transfer coup here. However, the question we need to ask ourselves is just what impact Begovic can have on Stoke’s starting eleven. With a staggering 42.5% of Fantasy Premier League managers owning Sorensen, it’s a question that is of importance to many…

Pulis is certainly tipping Begovic to put instant pressure on Sorensen but we’ve seen already with the signing of Tuncay, that the Stoke boss is prepared to leave big money signings on the sidelines in order to keep faith with proven talent. Pulis could well stay loyal but Sorensen has certainly hasn’t done himself any favours with the recent paper talk in which he suggests he could be tempted away from the Britannia.

“It wasn’t long ago and it was an unofficial inquiry from one of the biggest clubs…I am happy where I am, but if an offer does come, it will be hard to refuse.”

Quotes like that will have done little to endear him to Pulis or the Stoke fans but then it’s his performances on the pitch that count. Last night Sorensen put in a strong display in Stoke’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland and his manager was quick to acknowledge that…

“He played brilliantly…I thought he was different class. That’s what we want. That’s the competition top clubs have and the competition we want.”

It’s difficult to see Begovic dislodging Sorensen immediately then. The Dane will surely start the home fixture with Blackburn this weekend although with just one clean sheet in the last eight games, his starting role is hardly certain. Begovic is lying in wait and that has to be a concern for Sorensen owners, particularly going into their double fixture in gameweek 26.