Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham has dismissed a recent report linking him with a move to Portman Road. Higginbotham was a member of Roy Keane's Sunderland squad and was claimed to be a target of the Blues boss.

Higginbotham, who was a regular member of the Potters side which avoided relegation from the Premier League, says he sees no argument for leaving the Britannia Stadium at the present time: "This is where I have been happiest. I really enjoyed last season. These reports are pie in the sky and, besides, I don't see any reason why I would want to move.

"I played 30 games last season in the best league in the world, and we finished 12th. Now I want to be part of the club's success for the next few years."

A fortnight ago a report claimed Higginbotham and former team-mate Paul McShane had both been sounded out by Roy Keane regarding summer moves to Portman Road.

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