Glen Johnson: Stoke clinch deal for ex-Liverpool defender

Glen Johnson joined Liverpool from Portsmouth for £17.5m in 2009

Stoke City have agreed a deal to sign former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson.

The 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the option for a third year, after his release by the Reds.

Potters boss Mark Hughes said of the England international: "He will be a fantastic addition. He's a talented defender who also chips in with goals."

Hiss arrival remains subject to finalising of formalities, but he has joined up with Stoke in Singapore ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy.

It comes after Hughes confirmed that he expects goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to seal a move to Premier League champions Chelsea.

Right-back Johnson, who arrived at Anfield for £17.5m from Portsmouth in 2009, will link up with summer arrivals Marco van Ginkel, Shay Given, Joselu, Philipp Wollscheid and Jakob Haugaard at the Britannia Stadium.

The former West Ham trainee won 54 caps between 2003 and 2014. He appeared in the 2012 European Championship finals, and last year's World Cup in Brazil.

He spent six years at Anfield, with his final game for Liverpool coming in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea in May.

Asmir Begovic is set to leave Stoke after five-and-a-half years at the Britannia Stadium

Bosnia-Herzegovina international Begovic is set to complete an £8m move to Stamford Bridge, where the 28-year-old will compete with Thibaut Courtois for the number one spot.

Former Chelsea striker Hughes told Sky Sports: "I haven't had an update but my understanding is that he's likely to travel to Chelsea and that will be concluded.

"Having worked with Asmir, he will back his ability and he would think he will challenge and get game time, or he wouldn't have gone there.

"He's a confident and very accomplished goalkeeper so he'll push whoever's the number one very, very hard."

Stoke are in Singapore for the Asia Trophy, where they will face Everton on Wednesday.

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