Stoke boss: Hands off Shawcross

STOKE City boss Mark Hughes has dismissed speculation linking club captain Ryan Shawcross with a move to Newcastle United in the summer.

The Magpies were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier this week, with the Independent reporting he was Rafa Benitez’s top transfer target once promotion back to the Premier League is sealed.

The one-cap England defender would bring vast top-flight experience and leadership to a relatively young squad that Benitez has assembled on Tyneside.

However, Hughes says talk is ‘pure speculation’ and, with just 12 months remaining on Shawcross’ contract, he hopes to sit down and agree a new deal with him.

Hughes said: “We’re looking to sit down and re-contract him, along with others.

“That would make sense for everybody. Talk of a move is pure speculation.”

Shawcross has been at Stoke since leaving Manchester United at the age of 19 in 2007, initially on loan.

He’s made over 300 appearances for the Potters and is still a regular for them.

Benitez is likely to want a number of signings if he does succeed in leading the Magpies back to the Premier League.

Strengthening his central defence could be one area to address, with Ciaran Clark the eldest of his four current centrebacks at 26.

If Shawcross were to turn down a new Stoke contract and decide on a move away, there’s no doubting he’d add experience, organisation and leadership.