The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Stoke following the arrivals of Charlie Adam, Steven Nzonzi and Maurice Edu before the transfer window closed.

"I only just signed a new deal in January and I am here to fight for my spot," said Whelan.

"There are midfielders coming in, so then you think some will be going out, but so long as I have a chance of playing I will keep working hard and trying to impress the manager.

"It was never a case of me wanting to leave. If I wanted to leave Stoke I would be the person to say it, or the manager."