Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has confirmed that Queens Park Rangers are interested in signing striker Peter Crouch.
The England international, who doubled the Potters' lead during their 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, has been purchased by Hoops boss Harry Redknapp on several occasions throughout his career.
However, Pulis is adamant that he will not allow the 32-year-old to leave unless he can find a replacement before the window shuts.
"QPR have enquired about Peter, whether we do it or not you'll have to wait and see," Pulis said. "Harry's rung me up and asked me about the possibility, I've spoken to Peter about it, he knows about it and it's up to Peter as to whether he wants to go. Peter's very happy here, and he's made that clear.
"It's got to be right for the player, it's got to be right for the football club. The great thing is that financially we don't have to worry about bringing money in. If it's right for both parties and the player wants to go then it's very difficult not to let the player go.
"The important thing for me is that if he does want to go it's got to be right for us but also we've got to have someone who'll come in and do the same job. If the deal was right, Peter wanted to go and everything was in place and we couldn't find a replacement then he wouldn't go because that would put the club at risk, and it's too big a season to put the club at risk."
Crouch has scored six goals for Stoke in all competitions so far this season.
Matt Cotton
