Stoke City boss Mark Hughes insists Peter Crouch is in his plans.
Crouch has been linked with West Ham United.
Hughes said: "There's always speculation at this time of year. Peter was great for me last year - he's a key part of what we're trying to do this year.
"People assume that if you bring quality in, quality people have to go out but that's not the case. We're looking to build a strong squad and add to the quality we already have.
"Peter was very much part of that quality last year and we expect him to stay."
Asked if West Ham had made a formal approach for Crouch, Hughes said: "No, absolutely not.
"It's just speculation - we understand that at this time of year - but we won't encourage anything."
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