Man City Transfer News: Mancini Sights Ryan Shawcross?

Mail Online. Shawcross has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season and has been instrumental in contributing to Stoke keeping one of the best defensive records in the division. However, he has yet to put pen to paper on a proposed six year contract extension offered recently, with his current deal expiring in 18 months. Manager Tony Pulis is thought to be frustrated by the prospect of losing him on a free whilst the news has not been missed by Mancini. Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic, who joined from Fiorentina last summer, are the current two centrebacks at the Etihad, but Mancini possibly wants extra cover, particularly as Nastasic is only 19. He could therefore be tempted to make a move for the former Manchester United defender, who left Old Trafford four years ago in a £1million deal with Stoke. However, a hindrance in any move Mancini makes for the 25-year old could be that United had a buy-back clause inserted into his contract when they first sold him to Stoke, giving the Red Devil's first refusal on the player should he become available. Mancini would in that case have to wait for arch-nemesis Ferguson to run the rule over the player before having his say.