Liverpool FC Forum

by **JBG** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 3:49 pm

Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Southampton's lanky forward Peter Crouch for £5m. The 6ft 7 in front man impressed for the Saints as they battled against relegation, scoring 16 goals, report This Is Anfield.com.

The former Portsmouth and Villa player made his England debut in America on Monday and a move to Anfield would complete a huge week for the 24 year old.

Saints boss Harry Redknapp hopes Crouch will show loyalty and remain at the Saints, but admitted "I can understand someone like Peter if they get a big club coming in for them."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez sees Crouch as an alternative to the strikers already at the club as he looks to reshape his squad to mount a serious challenge to the top three next season.

Meanwhile, Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina looks almost certainly on his way to Merseyside. He has said "You have to earn your place. I am going there to work and to win my place - and win over the fans."

His move could spell the end for Champions League final hero Jerzy Dudek who yesterday said he could not imagine leaving Liverpool.

Reina added "It has been a tremendous year. I think I have completed a chapter, a very important period in my career at Villarreal.

"But ask any player and they say the most important thing is to keep improving both in terms of ability and finances.

"I have to be patient to see the talks come to fruition but I am not having any trouble sleeping at night. I am very relaxed about it all. Just playing for Liverpool will be good enough for me."

The 22 year old former Barcelona shot-stopper will face competition from Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland for the number one jersey next season.

Liverpool FC Forum

Crouch deal 'close' and reina on way soon - From .tv site

Who is online