?Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is considering leaving the Britannia Stadium this summer, despite the club’s willingness to offer him a new contract, per the ?Daily Mail.
The defender, who has been a consistent presence in the Potters’ defence ever since joining the club from Manchester United over nine years ago, is wanted by Newcastle, who are thought to be leading the chase, with Brighton and Premier League champions Leicester City also interested.
The 29-year-old has just a year remaining on his contract, which the club has allowed to run down, and is now said to be weighing up a summer move.
Mark Hughes has asked the club to offer the player a new deal, but is claiming that rumours of the player wanting to leave the club are just that.
“We’re looking to sit down and re-contract him, along with others,” the manager said. “That would make sense for everybody. Talk of a move is pure speculation.”
Shawcross, however, is believed to have other plans and wants a new challenge at another club, having made over 370 appearances for Stoke.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez wants the defender in his side for next season, while Brighton are thought to be very keen on employing him as well.
Both these teams should be playing Premier League football next term, and Shawcross’ experience at the back would surely prove vital.
Leicester, who gave a very poor account of themselves in defending their title, are probably looking for a proper shake-up in the summer, and have also made the one-time England international a prime target.
Kavan Flavius is a regular contributor to the Official Chelsea Guest Fan Blog, find him on Twitter@KavanFlavius.
??
admin
