ASMIR Begovic insists he is "happy at Bournemouth" as the goalkeeper prepares to return to training with Cherries next month.

The Bosnian was given an extended summer break by Eddie Howe with Artur Boruc and Mark Travers preferred for the final games of the 2018-19 campaign.

Having been a regular in the team for the first half of the campaign, Begovic has played just twice since January which has led to speculation over his future at the club with the likes of Stoke, Fenerbahce and Watford all linked with a move for the 32-year-old.

But the Cherries stopper insists he is ready to fight for his place during pre-season.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Begovic said: "I'm fresh, recharged and ready for another gruelling season.

"I'll be reporting back with the priority to prove to the boss I'm there to compete for the keeper's shirt against Sheffield United on the opening weekend.

"We have no issues with each other. I respect Eddie Howe and his decisions. He's the manager.

"I'm happy at Bournemouth. I have three years left on my contract and nobody has told me officially I'm surplus to requirements.

"But, of course, at this stage of my career, I do want to be playing as many games as possible."

The Bosnian arrived at Cherries from Chelsea for £10million in 2017 and quickly established himself as the club's number one.

But this summer has seen Cherries linked with moves for a host of goalkeepers, despite possessing Begovic, Boruc, Travers and Aaron Ramsdale on their books.

Discussing rumours linking himself with a move away from Vitality Stadium, Begovic said: "There's been a lot of speculation. That's the nature of the beast at this time with the window open.

"I'm not foolish. I know things can change in the blink of an eye. If and when something comes up, we'll cross that bridge.

"This is my 15th season here in England. If other opportunities arrive, I wouldn't mind experiencing different things but for now the focus is solely Bournemouth."

He added: "Until Boxing Day (last season) it was pretty smooth - we couldn't have asked for a lot more.

"But the second half was quite turbulent for everybody, including myself.

"I had some good stats and some not so good, but that's the beauty of football. Getting better never stops."