Hughes was out of the professional game between 2004 and 2007

Oldham Athletic have offered striker Lee Hughes a lucrative new two-year deal at Boundary Park.

Managing director Simon Corney told BBC Radio Manchester: "We're hopeful he'll sign it but we're almost in the hands of Lee and his agent.

"It's fair to say it's the best offer that we've made to any player in the time I've been at the club."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Crossley faces an operation on a back injury and will be out of action until March.

Hughes is Oldham's top scorer this season and has expressed his desire to join a Championship club.

The 32-year-old has a �400,000 buy-out clause in his current contract.

The former West Brom and Coventry front man moved to Oldham in August 2007 after serving three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

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