CHERRIES goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a reported target of Napoli and Fenerbahce – with the Italian club rumoured to be frontrunners for his signature.

The Daily Star claims Napoli and Fenerbahce are “waiting to make firm offers” for the 31-year-old Bosnian, who joined Cherries in a £10million deal from Chelsea last summer.

The two-time Serie A winners “seem to hold the edge” in the race to sign Begovic as they can offer Champions’ League football, according to the tabloid.

But the report adds that whether Cherries boss Eddie Howe could be persuaded to sell is “entirely another matter”.

And The Daily Star states that even if willing to do business, Howe would “want to recoup the fee paid” to Chelsea and would seek to “find a suitable replacement before doing business”.

Capped 61 times by his country, Begovic was ever present for Cherries in the Premier League last season.

He even played through the pain barrier after suffering a knee injury in training, his solid displays helping the Dorset club secure top flight status for a third straight campaign.

Howe hailed Begovic “a great professional” following the season and said he had been “delighted” with the stopper's efforts on the pitch.