Redknapp - I want Crouch

Pompey boss keen on Liverpool striker

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 22nd January 2008

Redknapp Harry

Redknapp: Eyeing an Anfield raid

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has revealed he is keen to sign Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

Redknapp has previously admitted he is looking to bring firepower to Fratton Park in the January transfer window as he bids to secure Pompey a place in Europe.

The South Coast club have been linked with a raid on Lyon for strike duo Fred and Milan Baros, but Redknapp has now confessed an interest in capturing Crouch.

The lofty striker, who scored Liverpool's late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Monday night, played under Redknapp before leaving Pompey in 2002 and the Fratton Park boss is now interested in a reunion.

Great job

"I like Crouchie and I would take him any day of the week," Redknapp told the Daily Star.

"But I just don't know whether Liverpool would be willing to sell him.

"He did a great job for me when he was at Portsmouth before and he is also a very nice lad."

And Redknapp has reiterated his desire to bring in a new forward before the transfer window closes at the end of January.

Competition

Benjani Mwaruwari scored a hat-trick in the weekend win over Derby, but Nwankwo Kanu is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and David Nugent has failed to settle since moving from Preston last summer.

And Redknapp is hoping to add competition to his forward line by the end of the month.

"If I bring anyone else in, it will definitely be a striker," Redknapp added.

"We really need four players to give me options up front, but at the moment we only have Benjani, David Nugent and Kanu.

"With Kanu away on Africa Nations Cup duty with Nigeria, it leaves us very short in that department."