• Premier League

Stoke won't allow Shawcross to leave

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 13, 2011
Ryan Shawcross is wanted by Tottenham © PA Photos
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Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is not considering letting Ryan Shawcross leave the club this summer.

Shawcross, 23, is under contract until the summer of 2014 but has been linked with moves to Tottenham and Arsenal after an impressive campaign for the Potters. However, Coates is keen to keep his best players and build on the season that saw them reach the FA Cup final at Wembley.

He said: "We see Ryan's future at Stoke City. He is a very good young player and I expect him to be at Stoke next season. I think with Ryan and Robert Huth we have two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and we don't want to change that."

Shawcross was made captain for the Wembley showpiece and was also called up by England coach Fabio Capello in February 2010 for a friendly with Egypt and Coates feels that he has plenty of time to make an international impact.

"I thought Ryan did very well last year and got better as the season went on. All young players have dips in form, but centre-back is a position where you are going to get better as you gain more experience. He is already doing fantastically."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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