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Post by DansViews on Dec 7, 2007 14:05:50 GMT
Stoke City are anxiously awaiting a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson which will decide the fate of star defender Ryan Shawcross as he approaches the end of his current stay at the Britannia.
Stoke have been in talks with Manchester United's hierarchy in a bid to extend the 20-year-old's loan spell until the end of the season, but are yet to have the all-clear from the Old Trafford boss.
"We would clearly love to keep him if we can," says manager Tony Pulis, "but the final decision is obviously up to Sir Alex and we are in no position to rush him."
Shawcross himself, whose present loan period ends before the FA Cup tie with Newcastle on January 6, has repeated his desire to remain at the club he had represented in every game before this weekend's suspension.
"The loan is up in January, so in the next couple of weeks I've got to sit down with the gaffer and Sir Alex, but I'd like to stay," said the giant defender.
United's dilemma is further complicated by the fact a decision must also be made on his long-term future because Shawcross is out of contract next summer. Ferguson has the option of returning him to Old Trafford for the rest of the season as cover for their assault on three competitions, cashing in now by selling him in the January transfer window, or hedging his bets on the youngster's United future by loaning him back out until May.
Stoke could face competition for his services on loan for the remainder of the season, while any auction for his permanent signature will start at £1m at least.
Pulis will monitor the fitness of Stephen Wright (groin) and Andy Wilkinson (hamstring) before finalising a line-up already deprived of Shawcross and John Eustace, through one-match bans, for Watford's visit on Sunday.
THE FA will not be charging Tony Pulis following his dismissal to the stands for protesting against the failure to award Stoke a penalty during last Saturday's home victory over Norwich City
The FA has dropped the matter after considering match referee Lee Probert's report into his decision to dispatch the Stoke manager for what he later described as "irresponsible conduct in the technical area."
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Post by Irish Stokie on Dec 7, 2007 14:15:39 GMT
It would be a massive boost if we could keep him for the rest of the season and WHEN we get promoted we Would stand a chance of signing him on a permanent basis in the summer. With him and Cort at centre half we would be very strong at the back, and we dont have any problems with scoring this season! Ferguson came to see him so he obviously rates him but i doubt he would have Shawcross in his plans this season so an extended loan with us may suit everyone involved, heres hoping!
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Post by Parkerson on Dec 7, 2007 14:24:45 GMT
while any auction for his permanent signature will start at £1m at least. Bid that now !!!! |
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Post by mark71 on Dec 7, 2007 14:55:32 GMT
Can't see any club signing him, Man U will give him a contract and if they think he's not upto their standard in 2 years time they could still bank £2-3m from his sale.
The best we can hope for is to sign him for the rest of the season and then to get him on a 12 month loan next year to give him some prem experiance ;D ;D ;D;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2007 0:09:40 GMT
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Post by macmozzer on Dec 8, 2007 1:53:21 GMT
irish stokie,you're not the only irish stokie,the irish breed like rabbits, it must be awful for them!!!!!, all roads lead to dublin
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Post by nathan on Dec 8, 2007 7:57:59 GMT
I personally can't see him having a long term future at United. I think the only happening that would put him coming to Stoke in jeopardy would be a Premiership club, probably in the lower reaches, bidding higher or offering him a more lucrative deal.
Hopefully we can sort out a deal to ensure we have him until at least the end of this season, preferably longer.
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Post by Davef on Dec 8, 2007 10:46:30 GMT
What the hell is "irresponsible conduct in the technical area"?
Telling Pericard to get his tracksuit off?
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Post by JoeinOz on Dec 8, 2007 11:14:04 GMT
Off the subject but I can't believe Wes Brown has the audacity to reject a contract with Man Yoo. Almost as unbelievable as the fact that Man Yoo offered him a new one!  Does he think Real Madrid or Milan will want him? |
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