Redknapp in £8m move to lure back Crouch as Pompey recruit English talent

[StevieH]

EXCLUSIVE: Redknapp in £8m move to lure back Crouch as Pompey recruit English talent | the Daily Mail

Harry Redknapp has been authorised to make an £8million bid for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch as the Portsmouth boss begins a summer spending spree that will focus on the recruitment of English players.

Crouch, who flourished under Redknapp's management when they were together at Southampton, has been a longterm target but a deal has yet to be agreed between the two Barclays Premier League clubs.

The Liverpool striker expects to leave Anfield this summer after a frustrating season under the rotation policy of manager Rafa Benitez, but he is waiting for offers from other clubs before making a decision.

Portsmouth's bid — sanctioned by owner Alexandre Gaydamak, who wants to provide Redknapp with a large summer budget — is the first firm offer on the table and Crouch could yet be persuaded to return to the south coast.

Crouch played at Portsmouth in the 2001-2002 season, scoring 18 goals, and he enjoyed a successful spell under Redknapp at St Mary's where his goals were almost enough to keep Saints in the Premier League three years ago.

The England striker still has a luxury flat in Port Solent, rented by Pompey winger John Utaka, and retains strong links with the area.

Despite scoring 13 goals this season he has been used sparingly by Benitez and his future at the club has been the subject of constant speculation.

The striker has netted three goals in his last four games, but Benitez left him on the substitutes' bench during Liverpool's Champions League semi-final, second leg defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

That decision has convinced Crouch that he no longer has a future with the Benitez regime.

Redknapp, who is preparing for today's trip to Middlesbrough, has banked mainly on foreign imports to improve his team, but the long-term plan is to rely on English players.

David James, Sol Campbell, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe form the nucleus of the English stars currently at the club, but Redknapp wants to strengthen his side with a second wave of homegrown players in the summer.

He has already turned down the opportunity to sign Freddie Ljungberg and Lucas Neill as West Ham attempt to trim their huge wage bill.

Injury-prone Ljungberg is on £80,000 a week for another three years at Upton Park and Neill is not far behind after his move from Blackburn and both will be allowed to leave.

Benitez is resigned to losing Crouch but he insists that he has tried to convince the England striker that he still has a future at Anfield.

"We offered him a new contract in December, so that is a long time to be trying to persuade him to stay," said the Liverpool manager.

"Some people seem to think it sent out a message when he wasn't involved at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but that wasn't the case.

"When I made a change up front, I had to think about which option to use. I went for Ryan Babel because he had the style we needed at the time.

"He has pace, as well as posing a threat, and he scored a late goal that could have proved important in the tie. It is not just about one game, though.

"We play about 68 games a year, and there will always be opportunities for players."

As he prepared for tomorrow's final home game against Manchester City, Benitez claimed Manchester United and Chelsea had raised the bar for those harbouring Premier League title ambitions.

"When you look at the current situation you see those two are the top two teams in Europe, as well as our League," he said.

"That is the task facing us, but I am not daunted by it. I have two years left on my contract and I will try and improve more next season and see if we can go beyond a Champions League semi-final and move closer to the top of the table at home as well."

ENGLAND TO THE CORE

Since returning to Portsmouth just before Christmas 2005, Harry Redknapp has always tried to maintain an English core to his side.

Combative midfielder Sean Davis was one of the first through the door before Redknapp made two of the shrewdest signings of his career, Sol Campbell and David James.

He has since added England internationals Glen Johnson, Jermain Defoe and David Nugent to his squad. While 17 of the 27 players Redknapp has signed since 2005 hold foreign passports, the bid for Peter Crouch underlines his determination to keep an English spine at Pompey.

[JoeyKop]

12 million and he is yours Harry.

[StevieH]

Originally Posted by JoeyKop

12 million and he is yours Harry.

£2M to Harry and £2m to Willie Mackay.

[atk]

Originally Posted by StevieH

£2M to Harry and £2m to Willie Mackay.

And £2m to Houllier

[cochcaer]

Given the length of his contract we're in a weak position so I'd take £8m.

[Stu Monty]

Originally Posted by atk

And £2m to Houllier

This is rare, so cherish it:

Genius.

[gkmacca]

Ding-Ding! Ding-Ding! Ding-Ding! Ding-Ding! Ding-Ding! Ding-Ding! If you fancy Pompey, Peter, you're a plonker.

[stig]

Just seen Nugent mentioned in that article. What a waste of space he has been this season, nevermind the Notes.

[Fugitive]

Redknapp unveils Crouch as new signing...

[StevieH]

Originally Posted by Fugitive

Redknapp unveils Crouch as new signing...

With Rick Parry playing the part of Trigger in negotiations.

[coop]

Due to his contract situation cant expect more then £8 million.

[Fugitive]

Originally Posted by StevieH

With Rick Parry playing the part of Trigger in negotiations.

That goes without saying.

[Paul]

I'll be very sorry to see the big man go. However, if it has to happen, a bidding war would be nice. He is utterly unique in world football, after all.

[Rashid]

I think Crouch has been treated like shit, no way does he deserve to be behind Voronin like he has at times. He always scores too... I hated us signing and now I am hating him leaving us.

[Stu Monty]

But have you learnt anything? Quite clearly not.

[King Emlyn]

Originally Posted by Paul

I'll be very sorry to see the big man go. However, if it has to happen, a bidding war would be nice. He is utterly unique in world football, after all.

I agree, 8m for a man of Crouch's ability is obscene.

[Rashid]

Originally Posted by Stu Monty

But have you learnt anything? Quite clearly not.

I know exactly what you mean, but for every Crouch I give you Zenden, Pelligrino, Benayoun and the others I have slated before they have signed!

[Rashid]

Originally Posted by Baps

You're just a nightmare you mate.

Haven't you got a hospital appointment you need to attend?

[King Emlyn]

Originally Posted by Rashid

Haven't you got a hospital appointment you need to attend?

Indeed he has, i hear his liver's not too clever.