Tall order as Fulham put Crouch top of their summer wish list
03 Jul 2009 - 00:39:24
Fulham are preparing a £10million offer for Portsmouth striker PeterCrouch. Manager Roy Hodgson has identified the England centre forwardas the man to help his side make the next step up after qualifying forthe Europa League.
Crouch, 28, has grown frustrated with developments at Portsmouthwith the majority of the squad due to leave this summer, players stillin the dark over the club's ambitions following Dr Sulaiman's takeoverbid and rumours over the managerial situation.
Moritz a minor concern as Cottagers say goodbye to VolzMowbray hoping Fortune favours Celtic as Hartley and Hesselink leave Parkhead Although there is interest from Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool, he is keen to stay in the south.
Hodgson's overhaul of Fulham has also captured Crouch's imagination and he is believed to be excited at the prospect of playing in Europe again and trying to make an impression on the top six in the Premier League.
Crouch wants to make sure he is in a position of strength when it comes to claiming a place in England's World Cup squad and Hodgson's reaffirmed reputation as a top coach will help sway any deal.
Crouch, 6ft 7in, is on around £70,000 a week but Fulham know to compete with their Premier League rivals they have to pay what it takes to get the right players.
Hodgson has expressed interest in Chelsea's Franco di Santo on loan and Manchester City's Jo but the latter is destined for Everton.
However, with Crouch at the top of his list, Hodgson is pressing ahead with his recruitment plans and is also expected to make a move for West Bromwich Albion captain Jonathan Greening.
Greening, 30, was one of Albion's best performers last season but would be interested in prolonging his career in the top flight. An offer of around £3m may be acceptable for Albion as they look to rebuild in the Championship.
They rejected an offer of £750,000 from Bolton yesterday for Greening's close friend Paul Robinson but expect a renewed bid. Robinson, 30, who has a year left on his contract plus a 12-month option, is valued at £1m.
Wolves have moved to sign Sunderland right back Greg Halford for £2.5m. Halford, 24, is due to complete the deal by tomorrow.
He spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and the Bramall Lane club had been keen to make the move permanent.
He will become Wolves' third signing of the week following the arrivals of Southampton midfielder Andrew Surman, for £1m, and Reading striker Kevin Doyle, for £6.5m.
As well as bringing in Doyle and Surman, Mick McCarthy spent £2.6m on Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas and signed goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann on a free from Reading.
Reading yesterday moved to replace Doyle with a £1.8m offer for Watford striker Tommy Smith, 29.
