TheSportsCampus

Stoke City have opened up negotiations of a new six-year contract for their highly-rated defender Ryan Shawcross in a bid to ward off the advances of Manchester United and Tottenham, reported the Telegraph. Shawcross has a little over 18 months left on his current deal and the Potters hope a new contract will help them keep the defender away from the Premier League giants in January.

The 25-year old started his career with Manchester United but left Old Trafford for Stoke in 2008 after a lack of first team opportunities. Shawcross has become an integral part of the Potters' first team and after playing a major part in keeping Stoke in the Premier League for the last five seasons, Manchester United's interest in the defender has rekindled.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted that selling Shawcross was a mistake and with Nemanja Vidic's injuries becoming a growing concern, the United boss is planning for replacements as Rio Ferdinand continues to struggle with form. Tottenham are also in pursuit of the centre-back and AVB is prepared to take on Ferguson in the battle for the defender's signature.

Interest in the player has risen greatly after he received a call up to Roy Hodgson's squad for last month's World Cup qualifiers against Poland and San Marino. Stoke are unwilling to part ways with their prized asset and if Shawcross signs a new contract, United and Spurs' chase for the central defender could come to an end.