Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has agreed to sign a new four-and-a-half year deal with the Potters. "I had a couple of years left on my deal anyway so there was no rush," the 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was just a case of making sure that it was the right deal for me and for Stoke. It's the right place. The main reason is that my family's happy here."

He had been linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium in the summer, with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in signing him, but he was in no doubts about his decision to agree a new deal.

"Both parties are happy with it, I feel I'm performing well and the club have rewarded me with an extension," added Shawcross.

"(Me signing the contract) shows how much I like the place and how far I think I can move forward."

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, boss Tony Pulis added: "A player who's been touted as a future England centre-half is really happy and content at committing himself for another four-and-a-half years.

"We've talked for a few weeks and Ryan's been very keen to do it.

"He's a level-headed person but he's an ambitious person as well, and his ambition is to play at the top level.

"For him to want to stay here and still believe he can go on to play for England shows his feelings towards the football club."