Should Tottenham Hotspur give the Stoke City man something to think about?
Ryan Shawcross has one year left on his Stoke City contract and Tottenham Hotspur should give him something to think about before he signs a new deal.
All the signs suggest that Spurs will be in the market for another centre-back this summer amid a report from The Sun that Kevin Wimmer has been transfer listed.
Shawcross, valued at £9.6 million according to Transfermarkt, has been a fine Premier League defender down the years and although he is unlikely to dislodge Jan Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld, he could be a brilliant third-choice option for manager Mauricio Pochettino next season.
They would not have to break the bank to get him, given how long is left on his contract, and he is a proven asset in this division. There isn’t a huge element of risk involved for the Lilywhites.
He is, however, likely to have sentimental ties to Stoke after spending a decade with the Potters. Question is, would he leave? He just might.
At 29, Shawcross, who began his career with Manchester United, would be signing away his chances of playing for an elite club if he puts pen to paper on a new contract at the Bet 365 Stadium.
If he harbours aspirations of, say, playing in the Champions League or competing for a Premier League title one day then he might seriously consider an offer from Tottenham.
Then again, the one-time England international turns 30 in October and at this stage in his career he might not want to swap playing regularly at Stoke for a back-up role with the North London outfit.
Having said that, there is likely a reason as to why he has allowed his contract to run down and Spurs should at least enquire, because the window of opportunity is closing.
City chief executive Tony Scholes told The Stoke Sentinel that contact has been made over an extension and Tottenham would need to act relatively quick if they want to give him a dilemma.
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