No matter how hot a bed the transfer market becomes for mesmerising young talents, Tony Pulis doesn’t seem to evade much from his preference for the aged few. After being heavily linked with Premier League’s old man John Terry to strengthen his defence in the coming summer window, the Wales manager is now reportedly eyeing a move for Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross.
The Telegraph has reported that the Baggies have joined the chase for the Potters skipper with the cordial relationship that Pulis shares with Shawcross, during his stint as the Stoke manager, proving to be an influencing factor in the move. The 29-year-old England international has been solid at the back for Mark Hughes’ side as Stoke looks to end the season in the top half of the table.
He has played 30 times so far scoring once and assisting three times partnering well with Bruno Martins-Indi. His consistency has earned a lot of traction with Premier League hopefuls Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion keen on landing him.
West Bromwich Albion sits three positions above the Potters and although a Europa League participation looks out of reach at the moment, ending the season this high will definitely be a huge boost for the club. Pulis has done a commendable job with the likes of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley at the heart of the defence with Albion conceding just 42 goals so far.
An academy product of Manchester United, Shawcross had spent loan stints with Belgium second tier side Royal Antwerp FC and Stoke City, before sealing a permanent deal with the Potters back in 2008. He has earned quite a legendary stature there playing over 370 times for them, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
However, with his contract approaching an end next season and no contract extension on the table just yet, Shawcross might want to move away from Bet365 Stadium this summer itself. And it goes without saying that West Brom Albion will be his first choice then. A place for an effective centre-half is in huge demand in Premier League and clubs like West Ham United and Crystal Palace will also be ready to splash the cash.
Having a frame of 191cm, Shawcross is immensely strong in the air and specialises in scoring from set-pieces, which is very much a Tony Pulis thing. Having big centre-halves to defend in a compact manner and hit opponents from set-pieces, is what Pulis specialises in and a reunion with Shawcross at Hawthorns could take Albion to new heights.
