Shawcross race hots up

13 August 2009 11:48
Skysports.com understands Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham are all chasing Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross. The talented young centre-half excelled last season as Tony Pulis' side surprised everyone in comfortably establishing themselves as a Premier League outfit following promotion. Key to their success was a water-tight defence, with Shawcross' assured displays having caught the eye consistently. Liverpool are in the market for a central defender following Sami Hyypia's departure over the summer and are keen for a British alternative to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel alongside Jamie Carragher. Hull City's Michael Turner is known to be a target but Rafa Benitez could instead opt for Shawcross given the Tigers' prohibitive valuation of their player. Shawcross started his career at Manchester United before joining Stoke permanently in January 2008 following a productive loan spell at the Britannia Stadium.

Source: SKY_Sports