Pool snag lanky Crouch
July 21, 2005
CHAMPIONS League titleholders Liverpool have won the battle to sign
highly-rated England striker Peter Crouch from relegated
Southampton.
The 24-year-old - scorer of 16 Premiership goals last season in a
vain attempt to stop Saints from being relegated - will seal a 7
million ($20.5m) move should he pass a medical later today.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been keen on signing him but
had to see off rival bids from Middlesbrough, Charlton and West
Ham.
However, the lanky Crouch - capped once for England against
Colombia in May - is reported to have favoured a move to Liverpool
and got his wish after Liverpool outbid their rivals.
Saints manager Harry Redknapp had wanted to keep Crouch as he bids
to restore the club's Premiership status but he has eventually had
to admit defeat.
'A fee of 7 million is good money and obviously it was too good to
turn down,' said Redknapp.
'I would love to have kept him.
'He was a key player ... I am sure he will be a big success
there.'
SIXTH SIGNING
Crouch will become Liverpool's sixth signing with Jose Reina,
Boudewijn Zenden, Momo Sissoko, Mark Gonzalez and Antonio Barragan
also joining the European champions.
Liverpool were also boosted by Steven Gerrard's decision to extend
his contract until 2009.
But Crouch's arrival should accelerate the departure of Czech
Republic international striker Milan Baros, who has fallen out of
favour with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.
Benitez said: 'Peter is very good in the air and can hold up the
ball, which should suit us.
'Especially in away games where we had our troubles doing that last
season.
'We lost 11 games away from home last season and so we needed to
change things.
'Peter will definitely give us more possibilities.'
Benitez is a big admirer of the tall striker since watching him
score against Liverpool at St Mary's in January.
'He is a player I like,' added Benitez.
'I hope to see him tomorrow, or maybe in two days in
Switzerland.
'He is another kind of player for us.' - PA Sport.
