Keane took the defender from Stoke to Sunderland two years ago, but he returned to the Britannia Stadium last September to become City's regular left-back.

And the 30-year-old says he doesn't want to leave again.

He explained: "This is where I have been happiest. I really enjoyed last season.

"These reports are pie in the sky and, besides, I don't see any reason why I would want to move.
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"I played 30 games last season in the best league in the world, and we finished 12th. Now I want to be part of the club's success for the next few years."

Higginbotham signed a three-year deal when he rejoined City from Sunderland in a transfer worth more than £2m and manager Tony Pulis is unlikely to want him out.

As well as being a consistent performer at left-back, until a back injury brought his season to a premature end, Higginbotham also offers cover in central defence.

But the club has made decisions on four out-of-contract players, with Vince Pericard and youngsters Tom Thorley, Jimmy Phillips and Marc Grocott released. Stoke have offered a deal to Senegal international midfielder Salif Diao, although the 32-year-old is still considering his options.

Reserve-team goalkeeper Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton is staying, after accepting a new deal.

Meanwhile, Stoke are heading for a sell-out of season tickets. The club has less than 2,000 left of their 20,500 allocation.

Fans snapped up 16,500 at the 'Earlybird' prices, which were available until the start of April.

The club made a further batch of 4,000 available two weeks ago.

Stoke have decided to limit the number of season-ticket holders in the ground so that fans who can only afford to attend some games will still be able to see their team.

Around 5,000 of the Britannia's 27,500 capacity is taken up by a combination of away fans, the club's community scheme and corporate hospitality. That means 2,000 will be left for supporters to buy on an individual game basis.