Stoke City chairman Peter Coates denies a contract row with Mark Hughes over Peter Crouch's future.

As the Potters drag their feet over offering Crouch new terms, Crystal Palace and QPR are being linked with a move for the ex-England striker in the January transfer window.

But Coates told The Sentinel: "It is absolute bunkum. There is no conflict whatsoever between Mark and the rest of us over that issue, or any issue come to that.

"We have not talked about it, so how can there be an issue? But it is something we will address in good time.

"It has not been an item on the agenda, but what I can say is that Peter is happy at the club and we like having him at the club.

"But any difference between us just doesn't exist."