LONDON -- Antonio Conte has confirmed that Chelsea are considering an offer for Asmir Begovic amid reports that Bournemouth are looking to sign the Bosnia international this month.
Begovic, who arrived from Stoke City in an £8 million deal in the summer of 2015 as a backup to Thibaut Courtois, has made just 29 appearances in all competitions in 18 months at Chelsea and not featured in the Premier League this season.
Courtois' improved form this season has ensured that Begovic's situation is unlikely to change, but Conte insists Chelsea will consider the situation carefully before deciding whether to let go of the 29-year-old.
"First of all I want to say that Asmir is an important player for me, on and off the pitch," Conte said of Begovic. "A really important player. He knows this. Yes, there is this offer. Me and the club, we are evaluating this offer.
"But it's important to find the right solution for Asmir, for the club, for me, because I repeat he's a really important player for me on and off the pitch. It's important to find the right solution before he goes away."
Any sale of Begovic would leave Chelsea with 34-year-old third-choice goalkeeper Eduardo as the only senior squad cover for Courtois, but Conte is confident that the Portuguese is capable of stepping up if needed.
"Eduardo, for sure, is a great buy for us," Conte added. "He arrived as third goalkeeper this season. The positions are very clear in my mind, and in the team.
"I'm very happy for him because Eduardo is working very well and helping me, helping Thibaut and Asmir a lot, and [Gianluca] Spinelli [Chelsea goalkeeping coach] and Hilario in their work. I'm very pleased with his commitment and he's a very good goalkeeper who is doing well.
"We have Courtois and Begovic, then there is Eduardo. This is the situation now. For Sunday, for sure, this is the situation. Then we'll see."
Bournemouth have been most strongly linked with Begovic and they are also on the look out for more defensive cover following the early return of Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge from his season-long loan.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe, though, knows the January market is traditionally difficult
He said: "We are looking, but I can't guarantee that we will be doing anything."
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.