QPR boss Harry Redknapp admits it will be difficult to keep hot-shot Charlie Austin if they go down.
The former Burnley frontman has netted 27 times since his £4million move from Turf Moor in 2013, but is approaching the final 18 months of his contract.
Rangers plan to offer Austin fresh terms to tie his long-term future to Loftus Road. However, Redknapp says they must stay in the top-flight or risk losing the seven-goal striker.
He said: “It will be very important for us [to stay up if we want to keep him]. He is happy here and obviously wants to play in the Premier League now he has had a taste of it.
“Once you play in the Premier that's where you want to be. I am sure he wants to stay there and if he can go and get 20 goals this year he can help us stay there.
“I don’t know what he is worth but it is certainly more than £4m, but I couldn't put a price on him. He is a smashing lad, a good boy who appreciates being here.”
