Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has confirmed Manchester United have first refusal on Ryan Shawcross.
Liverpool have been linked with the Potters captain, but Pulis revealed any move to Anfield will depend on the say-so of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Pulis has said Shawcross will not be flogged in January and explained that Fergie made sure he was kept in the loop after selling the player to Stoke for £1m three years ago.
Pulis said: "Alex has covered his backside, he's got first shout on Ryan - the crafty bugger has sorted it!"
