Shawcross set to seal Stoke future

Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross is ready to pledge his future to the club after revealing talks are ongoing regarding a new contract.

The 25-year-old joined the Potters outright in 2008 after enjoying a successful loan spell with the club, and went on to be named captain by manager Tony Pulis in 2010.

And Shawcross believes the faith and support he has received from his boss over the years has contributed massively to his desire to remain at the Britannia Stadium.

“I want to stay and they want to keep me,” he told reporters. “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.

“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.”