Ryan Shawcross insists there's no doubts about him signing his new contract.

Stoke's captain believes he owes a debt to manager Tony Pulis. And that's why he looks certain to tie up his contract before Christmas.

"I want to stay and they want to keep me," he said, "the talks are on-going. I'm happy, the club is happy.

"But the main reason I want to stay is the gaffer. He's been great to me throughout my time here and made me captain at a young age.

"I've told him I want to stay here.

"He's improved me as a player every year - and he got me into the England squad because that was a goal of mine.

"It's been an issue. But getting a call-up shows a Stoke player can get into the England squad and I've been in the last couple now.

"I don't want to go - even if a top four club comes in for me - but it's all down to the people above me now."