Stoke Say No to Shtaniuk!

Stoke City have said NO to Shtaniuk. The tradition of Stoke City is that prize assets have been sold and everyone really thought the club would cash in on the Belerussian defender.

John Rudge said: "Sergei has put in a transfer reuqest and we have notified him and his agent that it has been rejected.

"We consider Sergei to be an integral part of the club's future and our intention to maintain our First Division status. He is an exceptional player and one we would not want to lose."

Sergei still has 18 months at the club but Stoke are looking to extend that for at least a further year.