Peter Crouch could earn new Stoke contract as QPR maintain interest
Mark Hughes is open to rewarding Peter Crouch with a new contract after Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp refused to rule out a January approach for the Stoke City striker.
Crouch was a target for QPR during the summer transfer window and has played under Redknapp several times during his career.
The 33-year-old scored one and created one in Stoke’s 2-2 draw at QPR on Saturday and Hughes is prepared to discuss a new deal for Crouch, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
"We've had conversations about that,” said Hughes in The Sentinel. “Peter knows how much value I place on him, not only on the field, but also off it.
"Everybody enjoys his personality and his company, so that's something we are mindful of and you don't allow that to leave your club lightly.
"It (a new contract) is not something we have gone into in depth, but Peter knows how much we value him."
Hughes confirmed that QPR showed an interest in the summer, but he has no intention of letting Crouch leave the Britannia Stadium.
“There was an enquiry," he added. "People asked if he was available and I said no, and that was as far as it went.
"Possibly, I would imagine so, yes (there might be another one in January)."
Asked if QPR would receive the same answer on Crouch's availability, Hughes replied: "Yes."
Redknapp remains a big fan of Crouch and is keeping an open mind regarding a renewed attempt to sign the forward in the New Year.
"He’s still a good player," said Redknapp. "I’ve signed him enough times haven’t I?
“I bought him originally from here (QPR) at Portsmouth, took him back to Portsmouth, Tottenham, Southampton, he’s been everywhere with me.
“You never know do you?”