Stoke City are reportedly set to offer Ryan Shawcross a new contract to block Newcastle’s interest.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente in action with Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross
According to The Telegraph, Stoke City are poised to offer defender Ryan Shawcross a new long-term contract in order to fend off interest from Newcastle United.
Shawcross, 29, joined Stoke on loan from Manchester United back in 2007, and his impressive performances for the Potters led to a permanent move in January 2008.
The giant centre back has now racked up almost 400 appearances in all competitions for Stoke, and has served as their club captain since 2010, cementing himself as one of the pillars of the Stoke side over the last ten years.
Shawcross has just one year left on his Stoke contract, and The Telegraph now report that Stoke will offer the defender a new long-term deal at the end of the season in order to block a move from Newcastle United.
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross looks dejected
It’s believed that the Magpies, who have won promotion back to the Premier League, want to bring in a strong centre back to lead their defence, with manager Rafael Benitez identifying Shawcross as the ideal target.
Whilst he’s approaching his 30th birthday, Shawcross remains a key part of the Stoke defence, and the Potters are set to respond with a new contract offer to their talismanic centre back.
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in action with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Last week Shawcross told the Stoke Sentinel that he was not signing for Newcastle despite the confusion over his future, suggesting that he would see what happens in the near future.
Now, Shawcross looks set to be offered a contract to stay with Stoke well into his 30’s, meaning Newcastle may have to look elsewhere for a new central defender.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
