Tony Pulis hails Ryan Shawcross agreement

Stoke are close to securing the long-term future of defender Ryan Shawcross, the club announced on Friday afternoon.

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Ryan Shawcross has been a strong presence at the back for Stoke.

Manager Tony Pulis confirmed talks are at an advanced stage with the 22-year-old central defender and hoped an agreement would be sealed within the next few days.

Shawcross has become a pivotal figure for the Potters since his move from Manchester United last year and his emergence has been watched closely by a number of clubs.

"I have had long discussions with Ryan over his future and I am delighted that he sees his future here," Pulis told the club's website. "There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Ryan, but we have made it quite clear that he is going nowhere and we are delighted to be in a position now where we can secure his future.

"He is an exceptionally talented young lad who had an important part to play at this football club, so I am confident that he will be a major influence upon what we are aiming to achieve."

Shawcross, who has been capped at England Under-21 level, completed a permanent move from Manchester United to the Britannia Stadium in January 2008 after an impressive six-month loan spell.

"I am very happy at Stoke and I always saw myself being here for some time to come, so I am delighted we are very close to coming to an agreement," said Shawcross. "The fact that discussions have gone so well with the manager means I have given the green light to my agent to have further discussions on a new deal."

Pulis even believes Shawcross can still win a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup. The manager said: "I still think he has a great chance, an outstanding chance if he keeps playing the way he is playing.

"Capello picks the team and he has enough experience without me telling him what he wants and what he doesn't want. But Stuart (Pearce) has been here a few times and he has been impressed with Ryan."