Newcastle and West Brom are both thought to be interested in Ryan Shawcross but the defender wants to stay at Stoke.
Ryan Shawcross has entered the final 12 months of his current contract at Stoke City, leading to speculation the defender could leave the club this summer.
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross is shown a yellow card by referee
Baggies manager Tony Pulis knows the 29-year-old well, having originally signed him for Stoke back in 2008, while the Independent reported that Rafa Benitez had made the centre-back his top priority in the transfer market this window.
Yet Shawcross himself has spoken publicly about his desire to stay at the Bet365 Stadium and has seemingly put an end to any chance of tempting him away.
“I’ve always said I’d stay at Stoke,” the Potteries captain told the Stoke Sentinel.
“I spoke to [chief executive] Tony Scholes at the end of last season and since then we’ve not spoken again – but I’ve got another year, there’s no massive rush. I’m here for another season so that’s where we are at.
“It’s up to the club. I have a year left and I can only comment on what I’ve got. If they want to make it longer then I’ll be delighted. I’ve had a great time so far and I want that to continue. But there’s got to be a contract there to me sign.”
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
Manager Mark Hughes has made it clear he sees Shawcross as part of his long-term plans, although there is no sign of a new deal any time soon.
Including a loan spell from Manchester United before joining permanently the following year, the Englishman has played 382 times for Stoke.
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