David Stockdale was one of Brighton and Hove Albion’s heroes in the Sky Bet Championship this season, with the goalkeeper producing consistent displays throughout the campaign and keeping 20 clean sheets from his 45 appearances.

However, Stockdale’s future, by his own admission, is “up in the air” heading into pre-season, with the 31-year old out of contract at the Amex Stadium and yet to agree a new deal.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in taking Stockdale to Stamford Bridge to provide cover to Thibaut Courtois, with Asmir Begovic considering his future with the Premier League champions.

Brighton will be looking for a replacement for Stockdale, and should make a move for Begovic, who would provide Chris Hughton’s side with plenty of experience heading into their debut Premier League season.

Begovic has made just 33 appearances for Chelsea during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge, with Courtois, who renowned as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, keeping his opportunities limited.

The 29-year old’s performances between 2010 and 2015 for Stoke City, where he made 172 appearances, earned him an £8m move to Chelsea ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

Begovic is reportedly in search of more game time, which he would get with a move to the Amex Stadium, should Stockdale fail to negotiate a contract extension on the south-coast.

Heading into the Premier League, it is vitally important that Brighton have an experienced head as their last line of defence, as it could prove the difference between survival and relegation, just as Stockdale often proved to be the difference this season.

Should Stockdale leave Brighton this summer, there will definitely be some disappointment on the south-coast, but if Hughton can replace his goalkeeper with someone of Begovic’s qualities, it will ease the blow.