• Premier League

Shawcross sticking with Stoke

ESPN staff
December 3, 2012
Ryan Shawcross battles for the ball with Fernando Torres © PA Photos
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Ryan Shawcross would be prepared to turn down contract offers from a number of big Premier League clubs in favour of an extension to his stay at Stoke City.

Shawcross, 25, has been heavily linked with a return to Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson recently expressed his regrets at selling the defender to Stoke in 2008.

But Shawcross has pledged his future to the Potters and insists he is committed to the club as contract negotiations continue, largely due to the influence of Tony Pulis.

"I don't want to go - even if a top four club comes in for me - but it's all down to the people above me now," he said. "I want to stay and they want to keep me. The talks are ongoing. I'm happy, the club is happy.

"But 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.

"He's improved me as a player every year and he got me into the England squad because that was a goal of mine."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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