Bobby Zamora has urged the Queens Park Rangers hierarchy to do their utmost to tie Charlie Austin down to a long-term deal with the club.
The 25-year-old has been in outstanding form for Harry Redknapp's side this season as he netted a hat-trick to guide his team to a comeback win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Zamora feels that R's have to keep Austin at Loftus Road for as long as possible and believes that a new deal could ward off potential suitors for his signature.
He told reporters: "He's got 18 months left on his deal and I think the club should be offering him something now. With the form that he's in, I don't think it will be long before some big clubs make an offer and he may want to take that chance. For us, we need to keep hold of him.
"Chaz is a great asset for us and, fingers crossed, he can continue his form. He's a great finisher, and also has a great work ethic which is quite hard to come by.
"He gets all sorts – scrappy ones, long strikes, everything. To score 11 goals already this season is brilliant. He's got the lot in and around the box."
Austin has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season for the R's.
Simon Sinclair
