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A product of Manchester United's famed youth academy, Shawcross has been winning admirers up and down the country since bursting onto the Premier League stage two seasons ago.
Signed for an initial fee of just £1 million, the 6ft 3in central defender has established himself as a key man in Stoke's starting XI, even captaining the side at points during last season.
He has so far made a total of 98 appearances for the Potters, with 26 of those coming in a successful season-long loan in 2007-08.
His impressive form for Stoke during their opening two seasons has led to widespread speculation regarding interest from other clubs including West Ham, Fulham, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Despite his apparent popularity among other Premier League managers, Shawcross faced the low-point of his career in February 2010 when his mis-timed challenge broke the leg of Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. He was sent-off and left the field in tears.
At just 22-years-old, Shawcross is yet to receive his first senior international cap for England, although he was called up to the squad for a friendly match with Egypt in March of this year.
With height, power and plenty of natural ability, Ryan looks certain to play a major part in Stoke's plans for future.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG