The defender has been linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium over the summer after starting just nine Premier League games last season.

He concedes that he may have to consider his options before the close of the transfer window if he is unable to break up the central defensive partnership of Ryan Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye.

However, the 29-year-old will not leave quietly, with Cort vowing to do all he can to prove he merits a place in Pulis' side this season.

"I don't know if there has been interest in me, but I want to play here anyway," Cort told The Sentinel.

"If I'm not going to play, then I may have to look elsewhere, but I will go down fighting."

Cort admits his lack of action last season was frustrating, but he has yet to hold talks with Stoke boss Pulis about his prospects at the club.

He added: "No, we haven't said anything to each other. I've just got on with my work and I am treating this season as a clean slate.

"It was hard for me not playing much last season, but that's football and you have to be strong about these things.

"Sometimes, when you don't play for a long time, you end up doubting yourself. But I have to be strong and always feel I can do a job.

"You've got to remember that because we've got such a big squad, you sometimes have to await your chance."