Will Ryan leave Stoke if Huth arrives?

With reports linking Liverpool and Man United with Ryan Shawcross should we conclude that Ryan will depart if we're successful in our alleged pursuit of Middlesbrough's Robert Huth?

The conspiracy theorists were in full cry yesterday with both the Man United and Liverpool management in the stands at the Brit to watch Stoke comfortably beat Burnley. Whilst both could justify their attendance on checking out the opposition (Stoke visit Anfield on Wednesday, whilst United travel to Turf Moor) were they also checking out Ryan before a late August bid?

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 21 year old for some time, but you suspect that Sir Alex already knows all he needs to know about the former Old Trafford trainee. With Stoke reported to be closing in on Middlesborough defender, Robert Huth, it could be that Tony Pulis is accepting that he may have to sacrifice Ryan if a sizable offer comes in.

Really we need both Shawcross and Huth challenging for that central defensive slot alongside Abdy Faye and it would be a big disappointment if the management feels like cashing in on Ryan so early on in his footballing career.

Huth has had a chequered career on the East Coast, dogged by injuries since his £6m transfer from Chelsea in 2005. Last season's relegation battle was his first decent spell with 24 appearances and he also earned a recall to the German team for their 1-1 draw with China in Guangzhou in May. At Stamford Bridge he was used as back-up for the likes of John Terry and never managed more than eight starts a season throughout his five years with the club.

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