Shawcross signs for Potters

Shawcross: Permanent signing

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Championship high-fliers Stoke have agreed a club record deal to sign defender Ryan Shawcross from Manchester United on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The 20-year-old - who has been on loan with the Potters this season, making 28 appearances and scoring seven goals - has signed for an initial fee of £1million.

This could rise by a further £750,000 on appearances and another £250,000 on the club's successes.

His permanent signing is a welcome boost to a side who are currently sitting in fourth position in the Championship, just four points from an automatic promotion berth.

Huge potential

Announcing the deal, Stoke's Chief Executive Tony Scholes told the club's website: "He is a player of only 20-years of age with huge potential and we are delighted that we have been able to sign him on a permanent deal.

"Ryan has been with us on loan since the start of the season and has already demonstrated his class.

"The fact that we have been able to secure Ryan's signature despite competition from a number of other clubs demonstrates how far we have come as a club in the last twelve months."

Manager Tony Pulis added: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed Ryan permanently.

Fantastic

"He has been fantastic for us this season and he will continue to get even better.

"Everyone has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to tie up the deal, and we have beaten off several other clubs to his signature, which shows we are moving in the right direction."

Shawcross played in United's successful youth side, before establishing himself in the Reds' reserve side and going out on loan to Belgium in the second half of last season

His signature means Stoke have spent almost £4million in this transfer window after also signing Leon Cort, Danny Pugh and Andy Griffin.