Redknapp eyes double swoop

Crouch and Solano interest Pompey boss

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 16th June 2008

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is hoping to tie up a deal for England striker Peter Crouch and has confirmed an interest in Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano.

Pompey are in talks with Liverpool regarding Crouch and are reported to be on the verge of an £8million, four-year deal for the 27-year-old.

Crouch is still fondly remembered at Fratton Park after scoring 18 goals in 37 league games for Pompey during the 2001/02 season, although Redknapp is unsure how close they are to reaching an agreement.

"I honestly don't know what the situation is," he told The News.

"(Chief executive) Peter Storrie deals with that side of things. I tell him who I want and he does all the dealing with the clubs and the players.

Good value

"Crouchie is a player I like - I've made no secret of that - but only at the right money and that is what Peter Storrie deals with.

"Players have got their values and you only want to pay what you feel is a fair price. If you can't get that, you move on to someone else."

Solano, however, is available on a free transfer after being released by West Ham.

The 33-year-old joined the Hammers shortly into last season but the experienced winger has not been offered a new contract at Upton Park.

Experience

Solano has now spent 10 years in the Premier League with Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa, and Redknapp believes he would be a valuable addition to his squad as he leads Pompey into Europe for the first time next season.

"Nobby is a good little footballer and he did well last season at West Ham - he did a good job for them," he added.

"I could have had him last year when he was on a free. We ended up taking other people in the end.

"I know we're a bit short in wide areas and we certainly need to strengthen there.

"But nothing has happened there - it's not one we're close to doing at the moment."