Town are again being linked with a loan move for Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross. The former Manchester United trainee was first mentioned in connection with the Blues at the beginning of September and again later in the month.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis ruled out a loan move for the 20-year-old when the stories first appeared, despite the England U21 international having dropped out of the first team picture at the Britannia Stadium with the Potters signing Ibrahima Sonko, Danny Higginbotham and Andrew Davies during the summer.

Derby County are also said to be keen on Shawcross and are reportedly set to step up their attempts to sign him now that Martin Albrechtsen is out for a month having undergone a hernia operation.

Shawcross joined Stoke from Manchester United for £1 million in January after impressing in a loan spell during the first six months of last season.

Previously, the The 6ft 3in tall central defender had been on loan at Royal Antwerp, like so many Manchester United youngsters, the clubs having a long-standing arrangement.

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