Friday 30 January 2015 21:25, UK
Mark Hughes has revealed preliminary talks over him extending his stay as Stoke City manager are underway.
Hughes signed a three-year deal with the Potters in the summer of 2013 and he led them to their highest Premier League finish - ninth - last season.
They go into Saturday's home clash against Hughes' former club QPR sitting in 10th place, albeit eight points adrift of the European places.
Hughes was asked if he had signed a new two-year deal at his Friday press conference, to which he said: "We haven't done any details yet - you have more information than me if you are saying it will be two years!
"But the owners have intimated they would like to sit down and discuss a new contract.
"The length and terms will be discussed in due course I would imagine. But I'm delighted they want to do it.
The length and terms will be discussed in due course I would imagine. But I'm delighted they want to do.
"I'm very happy here and it has been a good fit. If we can come to some agreement, I will be more than happy."
Stoke have secured the future of two of their longer-serving players this week and Hughes is delighted Peter Crouch and Glenn Whelan have committed themselves to the club.
He said of Crouch: "I'm sure there was interest in him (from other clubs), but it never progressed to any great degree because I think Peter himself intimated to anyone he talked to that it was his hope he would be offered something here allowing him to stay.
"Thankfully, that is what we have been able to do."
And Hughes is confident Bojan Krkic will be back to help his side out next season after his first campaign in the Potteries was ended by a cruciate ligament injury.
"I think he is very philosophical about it," Hughes said.
"He understands these things happen - I think his first words to me were "that's football", and that is what it is like. There is no rhyme or reason to the injury, it is just a million-to-one chance.
"He is very positive. He is looking to be back for pre-season, and if everything goes well, that might be an outside chance. He is very strong mentally and will come through it and be stronger for it."
