Stoke City and Gary Rowett have been handed a major boost ahead of the new Championship season with Joe Allen signing a new four-year deal to stay at the club.

The Wales international was one of the Potters better performers last season when they were relegated from the top-flight and had been linked with several Premier League sides.

However, he has committed his future to the Staffordshire club by signing a new contract and revealed to the official site how happy he was at Stoke.

"I spoke to Tony Scholes once the season had ended and he made it very clear that the Club weren’t interested in selling me and that they wanted me to stay on.

"That stance from the Club, coupled with how settled I am here, how happy I am and how much I’ve enjoyed it, made it pretty straightforward for me."

It caps off a fine week or so for Rowett and the club, with Allen's new deal coming off the back of Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo and Wolves striker Benik Afobe joining the club.

The Verdict

This is fantastic news for Stoke City and something that they probably didn't expect to happen.

There's no doubt that Allen could play in the Premier League and there was a lot of interest in him but this shows real ambition from the club and clearly the player buys into it.

He should be arguably the best midfielder in the division and will be integral to Rowett and the side as they look to bounce back.

Thoughts, Stoke fans? Let us know in the comments below.