Source: SKY_Sports
Shawcross happy to stay
Ryan Shawcross has revealed he was 'never really bothered' by speculation linking him with a move away from Stoke.
The 21-year-old centre-back reportedly attracted interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton during the transfer window.
But the Potters always insisted he would not be going anywhere and the deadline has now passed, with Shawcross admitting he did not hear of a single approach.
Shawcross maintains that he did not become distracted by the rumours and he is happy to still be at Stoke, where he hopes to remain for 'quite some time'.
"It never really bothered me," he told The Sentinel. "No-one came in for me or made an offer, so it was just paper talk. And the deadline has now passed, and I'm still here.
"When you are linked with clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool it's not off-putting, it just shows that you are doing something right. But I can see myself being here at Stoke for quite some time."
Tony Pulis has bolstered his defensive options with the big-money signings of Robert Huth and Danny Collins but Shawcross welcomes the increased competition for places.
He said: "They are good players, I remember playing against Robert Huth. They will add competition to the centre-back spots.
"It's going to be a tough task to keep my place in the team, but I will just have to continue to play well."
