Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has told to Liverpool that Ryan Shawcross is not for sale.
Kenny Dalglish has been tracking the 23-year-old as potential final piece in the Reds' defensive set up, with the centre-back role remaining an area for concern.
Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate's arrivals at the Britannia Stadium this summer had suggested that the Potters were potentially paving the way for Shawcross's departure.
But Pulis, speaking ahead of his side's Europa League qualifier with FC Thun, insists that his Chester-born skipper will not be allowed to leave the club as he aims to strengthen.
He said: "We have got no need to sell Ryan. We want to spend money if we can.
"I think the chairman and the board have made it quite clear that their intentions are to try to improve the squad this year.
"We are very pleased with the defenders we’ve got, now we have to improve ourmidfield and forward line."
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