Tuesday 12 August 2014 13:44, UK
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is insistent that Peter Crouch remains a big part of his plans, despite West Ham's apparent attempts to sign the striker.
The 33-year-old former England international looks unlikely to be a regular starter this season at Stoke, with summer signings Bojan Krkic and Mame Biram Diouf coming in to the Premier League club.
But Hughes is delighted to see Crouch staying put, rather than moving to Upton Park, although the Potters boss insists he never took their reported interest too seriously.
"I think (the Crouch rumour) is probably agents being agents and perhaps managers being a little bit mischievous to be perfectly honest. I'd take it with a pinch of salt," he said.
"Nothing has changed with Pete. I'm trying to make this squad stronger, and he's a big part of that. He was great last year and we want to keep quality players."