Stoke City’s ten year stay in England’s top flight was ended in the 2017/18 as they suffered relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship.
It was a long, painful season for Stoke supporters, and this summer is bound to be the same as the Potters aim to keep hold of their star players.
The arrival of former Derby County and Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has added a slight sense of optimism, but Stoke City fans are still fearing that they could lose a number of their players.
One man who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club is central defender Ryan Shawcross, who has been an ever-present in their team since joining their club back in 2007.
His destination still remains unclear, so we have narrowed it down and had a look at the three favourites to secure his signature:
3) Watford – 8/1:
Watford have been in need of an experienced central defender for a number of years, and Ryan Shawcross could be exactly what they are looking for. Next season’s Premier League is bound to be a competitive one, and Watford will be looking to steady up their squad to ensure they are not dragged into a relegation battle.
2) Cardiff City – 6/1:
Cardiff City are the bookies’ favourites to suffer relegation next season, and Neil Warnock has a lot of work to do strengthening his squad to prepare them for life back in the Premier League. The Bluebirds manager has stated that he wants players with plenty of Premier League experience, and Ryan Shawcross fits the bill perfectly, having played over 300 times in the top flight.
1) Newcastle United – 4/1:
Newcastle United have been made slight favourites to sign Ryan Shawcross this summer. The main reason for that is because club captain Jamaal Lascelles is the subject of plenty of interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Everton said to be preparing a £30 million bid for the central defender. Ryan Shawcross is seen as an ideal replacement, and would slot straight into Lascelles’ place in the team.
