Shawcross signs for the Potters

The Potters end a hectic week on the transfer market by announcing that on-loan defender Ryan Shawcross has also signed a three and half year contract.

Shawcross has moved permanently from Manchester United in an initial £1m deal that could rise to £2m based on appearances and other bonuses. He has revealed that he even turned down a new contract from the Red Devils to join the Potters after Sir Alex Ferguson was not prepared to guarantee him a shot at first team football.

This is the second deal this week that has broken the £1m barrier after Leon Cort’s earlier signing and takes Stoke’s spending this week to around £4m

It’s a complete about turn compared to last season, when fans complained bitterly that we seemed unable to compete for the likes of Hendrie, Diao and Griffin. This season we have now signed Salif Diao and Andy Griffin and also completed the permanent signings of three of our four remaining loanees – Danny Pugh, Leon Cort and now Ryan Shawcross. Only Fulham player, Gaby Zakuani remains with us on loan.

IN
Already in the can:
Salif Diao (free agent)
Danny Pugh – Preston North End (£500k)
Andy Griffin – Derby (£300k)
Leon Cort – Crystal Palace (£1.2m)
Ryan Shawcross – Manchester United (£1m rising to £2m)

Just the rumour mill for now:
Glenn Whelan – Sheffield Wed. He has been talked about since the summer and the Owls have just turned down a ‘derisory’ offer of £250k from Plymouth
Stelios Giannakopoulos – Bolton (£750k?) Megson is a big mate of TP, so who knows..
Marlon Harewood – Aston Villa. Rumours link the Potters to a loan deal for the former Hammers’ striker until the end of the season
Neil Lennon – Notts Forest. The former Celtic midfielder is said to have Ipswich after him as well.
Robert Earnshaw – Derby. Stories continue to circulate that he could join us on loan, but a return to Cardiff might be more likely.

OUT
and already gone
Peter Sweeney – Leeds United (‘nominal fee’)
Clint Hill – Crystal Palace. (undisclosed fee)

I’ll keep this updated as the month progresses. If you’ve got any other rumours why not add them below.