POMPEY OPEN CROUCH TALKS

Portsmouth have opened talks with Liverpool over the proposed transfer of Peter Crouch, according to reports.

The Times claims that the two clubs were in talks last night - an odd time to begin negotiations given that Portsmouth are preparing for their appearance in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Rafa Benitez, desperate to raise funds in order to finance his own planned summer spending spree, has placed a £16m valuation on the England striker. However, it is believed that Pompey only value Crouch, who left the club for Aston Villa for £5m in 2002, at around £10m.