Paul Merson: 'Queens Park Rangers need Peter Crouch'

Paul Merson has encouraged Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp to sign Peter Crouch during the January transfer window.

The former England international, who will become a free agent next summer when his contract with Stoke City expires, has long been linked with a switch to Loftus Road.

Discussing that speculation, Merson believes that securing the services of the 33-year-old would boost QPR's chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

"For me, QPR need him. I'm a big fan of Peter Crouch, he's a good player. It's a nice small pitch at QPR. They need to make Loftus Road a fortress, because if they don't, they will be relegated. I don't see them winning too many away games. If QPR can get Crouch, he will tick all the boxes," the former Arsenal and England midfielder told Sky Sports News.

QPR and Stoke are meeting at Loftus Road this afternoon. You can follow Sports Mole's live text commentary of the encounter here.