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Crouch 'too expensive', claims Pompey boss Redknapp

25/06/2008

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has revealed he is keen on signing Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, but believes the player's price is too high.

Crouch, 27, has been told he can move clubs this summer by Reds boss Rafael Benitez but the Spaniard has reportedly stated he will not be allowed to leave for any less than £15 million.

According to reports, Pompey have tabled a £9 million bid for the England striker, but this has been turned down.

And Redknapp has said this may signal the end of their pursuit for Crouch, who previously played for the Fratton Park club between 2001 and 2002.

"I'd love to bring Crouchie back here," Redknapp told local publication The News.

"We are trying to do deals to bring in players and [chief executive] Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.

"But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price. It seems like things are getting a bit too expensive."

He added: "Crouchie is a player who is on our list, but if nothing can be done then we will just move on to the next player."

In his previous stint at Pompey, Crouch had a superb return of 18 goals in only 37 league starts before joining Aston Villa for £4.5 million in March 2002.