Tony Pulis has confirmed he has held talks with Ryan Shawcross aimed at securing the talented defender's future with Stoke. England Under-21 centre-back Shawcross has emerged a key figure in the heart of the Potters defence and reports had suggested Pulis would struggle to keep hold of the former Manchester United man in the January window. Britannia Stadium boss Pulis revealed Shawcross had confirmed to him he wants to stay at Stoke and the 22-year-old is expected to sign a new and improved contract. "I have had long discussions with Ryan over his future and I am delighted that he sees his future here," Pulis revealed to the club's website. "There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Ryan, but we have made it quite clear that he is going nowhere and we are delighted to be in a position now where we can secure his future." Shawcross joined Stoke from Old Trafford in January 2008 after an impressive six-month loan spell with the Potters.