Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is bracing for the loss of defender Ryan Shawcross by expressing interest in Middlesbrough's Robert Huth.

Liverpool are in hot pursuit of centre-half Shawcross with Pulis expected to meet with Reds officials on Wednesday so he is preparing himself for the loss of the player by entertaining Huth.

Pulis is confident of completing the £2.5million move for Huth according to reports, opening up interest in 21-year old Shawcross who is also being chased by Manchester United and Everton.