On his way out? Peter Crouch
Liverpool will spark a £10million transfer auction after
deciding to sell Peter Crouch to the highest bidder in January.
Crouch's future has been the subject of intense speculation this
season but now manager Rafa Benitez has finally lost patience after
seeing a change in the striker's attitude.
The Liverpool manager believes Crouch's status as an England player
has turned his head, to the detriment of the work ethic that made
him such a valuable team player when he arrived from Southampton
for £7m in 2005.
Benitez has instructed Anfield chiefs to secure the best possible
price for 26-yearold Crouch. There will be no shortage of offers,
with early signs of interest from Newcastle, Portsmouth and Aston
Villa, one of his former clubs.
A move abroad is believed to appeal to Crouch, with Juventus in the
market for a front-runner. Casting an eye towards the Premier
League, Liverpool's initial valuation could prove a stumbling
block. Manchester City dropped out after being quoted £15m.
Sportsmail understands that Crouch is prepared to dig his heels in
and see out the remaining 18 months of his contract if Liverpool
insist on £15m. It seems likely the club will have to lower their
sights to around £10m for a New Year deal to go through.
Crouch's expected departure may not be the only one after Momo
Sissoko demanded showdown talks over his lack of opportunities this
season.
The 22-year-old Mali midfielder has made only four Premier League
starts and sees little hope of forcing his way back after slipping
behind Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso for a place alongside
Steven Gerrard.
