Crouch: Set for Pompey move

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Portsmouth have been given permission by Liverpool to open transfer talks with Peter Crouch.

Pompey have been tracking the England striker for much of the summer and they have finally reached an agreement with the Reds.

Liverpool turned down an offer believed to be in the region of £9million late last month but Portsmouth have now had a second bid accepted.

Harry Redknapp, who worked with Crouch during a previous spell at Fratton Park and again at Southampton, has identified the 27-year-old as a player who could add firepower to his attack.

Agreement

Crouch moved to Anfield in the summer of 2005 and scored 42 goals in 135 appearances for the club.

However, he often had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench last season as Rafa Benitez preferred Fernando Torres up front with Dirk Kuyt in support.

Crouch recently admitted he would consider leaving Liverpool in search of more regular football, and it now appears his time at the club is coming to an end.

A spokesman confirmed on Liverpool's official website: "We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter."