Shawcross to sign new deal at Stoke

Premier League stalwarts Stoke City look set to re-sign Ryan Shawcross to a new deal following the team’s 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.



The England international stated that he felt very settled at the club and continued by reaffirming his willingness “to be part of the future.”



“I am extremely comfortable in the Stoke team,” said Shawcross.



“I am comfortable with the way we play, and I have great players around me, which always makes the job easier. Hopefully we can grow as a unit and become even stronger over the next year or two.”



Stoke look set to tie Shawcross to a club record six-year deal worth an estimated £14m, making him the highest paid player at the Britannia Stadium.



With experience at international level placing him firmly in the shop window and under two years left on his current deal which runs out in June 2014, Shawcross’ comments will come as a huge relief to Potters fans.



The Chester-born defender initially joined Stoke on loan from Manchester United in 2007 before becoming the club’s most formidable defensive asset and captain.



A new contract is certain to be signed very soon according to manager Tony Pulis who commented on the speculation confirming that “whether he has or not [signed a new contract] I don’t know, but we are close.”