Tony Pulis has hinted Robert Huth is to be presented a new long-term contract at Stoke.

Defender Huth has been fundamental to Stoke’s campaign this season and the Potters boss is keen to reward him for his exertions. Stoke City are renowned for “taking no prisoners” and Huth is at the forefront of this new approach – his tenacious, never-say-die attitude was a huge reason behind The Britannia stadium becoming the fortress that it was last season.  Stoke had a formidable home record at the stadium.

Huth still has two years to run on his existing deal but has supposedly been drawing interest from the Bundesliga, which may prompt Stoke to hand him an improved deal. Without this improved contract there is constant speculation that Huth himself would favour a move away from the Britannia, and back to his homeland. This season Huth has been finding himself at an unfamiliar position of right back, and it’s speculated that unless he is moved to his favoured position in the centre his patience might wear thin and he will opt for a move to his native Germany.

Should Huth leave the Britannia, Stoke would be left hopelessly bare at the back with just two remaining centre backs in Woodgate and Upson, one of whom faces a constant struggle with fitness.  Should Huth decide his future lies elsewhere, Pulis would have to face the proposition of no first class centre back cover, and without this Stoke could be staring down the barrel of a relegation fight.

Pulis said: “We always look after the players who have done well for us and we want to keep Robert and Glenn here for a long time.  Everybody has to feel a part of what we’re trying to achieve.”