Shawcross keen on new Stoke deal

Shawcross has played every minute in the Premier League and the Europa League this season.

Manchester United have an option to buy the highly-rated defender back, but Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old defender.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “I always said that I wanted to play in Europe and Stoke City have given me that opportunity, so my future is here.

“I really do love it here, the fans are great and the manager is top class. He is probably the biggest factor in me wanting to be here because I really enjoy working under him.

“He keeps making me a better player and has shown unbelievable faith in me.

“With the group of lads we have here too, I don’t think anyone would want to leave.”

“We’ve brought in some top class defenders. Matty Upson and Jonathan Woodgate are both seasoned internationals so nobody should be surprised,” he added.

“We’ve kept clean sheets against Chelsea and Liverpool and defended well against Manchester United.

“We’ve stood up to that, so there’s no reason why we cannot stand up to whatever else is thrown our way.”