Celtic appear to have dropped out of the race to sign Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross, according to odds given by bookmakers Bet Victor.
The Scottish Premier League champions had been heavily linked with a move for the former England international, and had previously been as high as second favourites, but odds on Bet Victor’s transfer special page have now disappeared, paving the way for Premier League side Newcastle United to make their move.
The Magpies are currently 4/1 favourites to secure the signing of Shawcross, with recently promoted Cardiff City now second favourites at 6/1.
Ryan Shawcross was a regular in the Stoke City side that suffered relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship after a disappointing 2017/18 campaign, but he has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.
The Manchester United academy graduate joined Stoke City back in 2008 following a successful loan spell with the club.
His loan spell at the club saw the Potters promoted to the Premier League, and ever since then Shawcross has been a regular central defender in the top flight.
The 30-year-old is expected to remain in the Premier League, and will certainly be an excellent signing for whoever manages to secure his signature.
He has featured in 317 games in the Premier League for Stoke City, contributing 14 goals and nine assists during that time.
Shawcross has also played his part in 84 clean sheets for Stoke. His experience at club level speaks for itself, but his international career was far from glamorous.
He has made just one appearance for England, and that was in a friendly match against Sweden, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a 15 minute hat-trick to virtually end Shawcross’ international career.