Shawcross deal imminent - Pulis

Stoke manager Tony Pulis expects skipper and central defender Ryan Shawcross to sign a new contract before Christmas.

Last Updated: 03/12/12 at 12:29 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top 6 Finish 12/13 Top 6 Finish: Stoke 100/1

Ryan Shawcross: Wants to stay at Stoke

Ryan Shawcross: Wants to stay at Stoke

Shawcross, who has 18 months to run of his current deal, has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Liverpool and QPR.

However, he has been offered a new six-year contract and indicated after Saturday's win at West Brom that he has no desire to leave the Potters.

The 25-year-old has formed a rock-solid partnership alongside Robert Huth and also forced his way into the England squad this season, making his debut against Sweden in Stockholm last month.

Pulis said: "I don't think (Shawcross' contract) is going to be too much of a problem."

Asked if it would be signed by Christmas, he added: "It will be done before then, I think.

"The issue is keeping his feet on the ground and keeping him level-headed. But he doesn't seem to be the sort of character to get carried away.

"If he does, he will be told. It's a big contract for Ryan and a big deal for the club as well.

"We have to make sure both parties are happy about it and there are little things we have to iron out. It's not far away.

"If you look at our club we have four outstanding young players in (Asmir) Begovic, Marc Wilson, (Steven) Nzonzi and Ryan. We certainly want Ryan to be part of that group which will grow with the club."

Shawcross said: "Talks are ongoing. I'm happy, the club is happy. It's just one of those things, these contracts take time.

"I've told them I want to stay. Ultimately, it's up to my agent and the club to sort it out. I haven't got too involved, I've left them to it. When it's sorted, we'll tell you."

Asked if a deal had been agreed in principle, he added: "No, we're not that far along yet - but the main thing is that I want to stay and they want to keep me.

"They're the two things that need to happen first of all. Hopefully it will all be sorted."

Shawcross admitted Pulis was the key reason for him to stay with Stoke.

He said: "The main reason I want to stay is the gaffer. He's been great to me throughout my time here and made me captain at a young age.

"I've told him I want to stay here. I feel like he's improved me every year and he got me into the England squad because that's been a goal of mine.

"It showed a Stoke player can get into the England squad because that's been an issue before."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top 6 Finish 12/13 Top 6 Finish: Stoke 100/1

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Ferguson wins LMA Manager gong

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the LMA's Premier League Manager of the Year, with Malky Mackay, Gary Johnson and Martin Allen also rewarded.

Brighton apologise to Crystal Palace for dressing room 'vandalism'

Brighton have apologised to Crystal Palace for the "vandalism" in their dressing room before last week's play-off semi.

Hodgson waits on Cleverley

England are waiting to find out if Tom Cleverley will be fit to face Republic of Ireland and Brazil after calling Jack Rodwell into the squad.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved