Pulis rules out Huth departure

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is desperate to tie Robert Huth to a new contract but will keep the defender no matter what this summer.

Huth has only 12 months left to run on his current contract at the Britannia Stadium.

No fresh terms have been agreed as yet, fuelling speculation that the Potters could look to move him on before he loses all value.

Pulis, however, insists no such plans are in place.

"We are desperately keen to try and get Robert sorted out," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"We've been talking to him for the last three months, but whatever happens we will not be trying to cash in on him.

"I'm hoping something will be sorted out with him by the time we come back for pre-season training in July."

Huth has made 129 appearances for Stoke during a three-year stay, with his injury troubles of the past put to one side.

Pulis added: "He never played until he joined us so it's great testament to this football club that we've kept him as fit as we have to play so many games.

"He's obviously a player who is valued, and the supporters have clearly taken to Huthy during his time here because of the committed way he approaches the game."

Huth himself recently hinted that he would extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium.

"I'm enjoying it here," he told Goal. "It's fun and I get along very well with everybody. That's why I don't see any reason to change anything."

It is being reported, meanwhile, that Jonathan Woodgate has been offered a new deal despite falling out of favour in the second half of last season.