Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross had a very public spat with West Brom manager Tony Pulis recently – advantage Newcastle United?
Ryan Shawcross may have developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders as captain of Tony Pulis’ Stoke City but it remains something of a surprise that he is being tipped to join his former boss at West Brom.
The Telegraph reports that Shawcross, who earned his one England cap under Pulis, is facing an uncertain future at the Bet365 Stadium with his contract due to expire at the end of next season.
And West Brom, along with Newcastle United, are reported to be keen. The Independent claims that the former Manchester United youngster tops Rafael Benitez’s transfer wishlist with the Spaniard aiming to add more Premier League experience to his side ahead of their inevitable top flight return.
Shawcross, who has been an almost ever-present during Stoke’s nine Premier League seasons, certainly fits the bill.
However, despite the fact that the 29-year-old owes Pulis a huge debt of gratitude for giving him his chance in the top flight, could a recent spat between the pair give Newcastle the advantage?
According to the BBC, Stoke boss Mark Hughes was left furious with Pulis after he allegedly called Shawcross a ‘loser’ during a phone call. The Potters captain had told Sky Sports that West Brom had leaked the news that Saido Berahino, who swapped The Baggies for Stoke in January, had been handed a drugs ban.
Whether the pair are willing to see the issue as nothing more than water under the bridge remains to be seen. Though Newcastle may harbour hopes that this gives them a chance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
