Pulis stands firm on Shawcross

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has warned Liverpool that defender Ryan Shawcross is not for sale.

The centre-back has been linked with a move away from the club over the summer, with the Reds believed to be keen on improving their backline before the close of the transfer window.

Pulis, whose side could face a long European campaign ahead of them if they win their two-legged Europa League playoff tie against FC Thun, has already strengthened his defence with the signings of the experienced Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate.

But he has moved to quash suggestions that the duo were brought in as replacements for Shawcross.

“We have got no need to sell Ryan,” Pulis said.

“We want to spend money if we can.”

“I think the chairman and the board have made it quite clear that their intentions are to try to improve the squad this year.”

While Pulis has ruled out any of the club’s top players leaving, he has not given up on bringing new faces to the Britannia Stadium.

Over the past week the Potters have been linked with a host of players, including Tottenham pair Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios.

“We are very pleased with the defenders we’ve got, now we have to improve our midfield and forward line,” Pulis said.