GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic will be “blocked” from joining any of Cherries’ Premier League relegation rivals, according to a report in the Daily Star.

The publication claims Aston Villa and West Ham have been linked with loan moves for the 31-year-old, who is this week set to return to Dorset following a six-month spell at Qarabag.

Formerly of Stoke and Chelsea, Bosnian stopper Begovic played 17 times for the Azerbaijani side in all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets.

The Star also reports the goalkeeper is prepared to take a drop in pay to seal a move away from Vitality Stadium.

In quotes published by the tabloid, Begovic said: “I did that to play for Qarabag and I’ll do it again.

“But it can’t be just down to the player. Clubs have to help.”

Asked about the goalkeeper by the Daily Echo on Friday, Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: "He’ll be back in the next few days I believe.

"We’ll wait and see what the next step is with Asmir."

Championship clubs Derby and Birmingham have also been linked with a move for the goalkeeper.

Quizzed on whether it was likely Begovic would be moved on again with Aaron Ramsdale now established as Cherries' first-choice goalkeeper, Howe replied: "As I said, we’ll wait and see."