Stoke City boss Tony Pulis feels there's more to come from Ryan Shawcross as the defender prepares to sign a new six-year contract.

Pulis confirmed the deal was virtually done and described how he intends trying to instil a ruthless streak in the 25-year old.

"People have just said he has agreed and signed it," said the Stoke manager. "Whether he has or not I don't know, but we are close.

"Ryan has been immense for us. I took him from Manchester United's third team, and I'll never forget his debut at Cardiff, where he scored. From that point on, he's just improved more and more.

"For him to be captain of a Premier League club for the third year running, and to play for England, says it all. Ryan has done brilliantly for us, but this club has done brilliantly for Ryan. It has to go hand in hand.

"We are more than happy to give Ryan that length of contract. He's loved to death here. He knows how much we like him and all the players like him. He's a big softie at times, which frustrates me, but he's a lovely lad."