Portsmouth will table an £8million bid for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch within 48 hours.
The lanky England marksman - who was sold by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to Aston Villa when he took charge at Fratton Park, and later played under him at arch-rivals Southampton - has been at the top of his summer wish-list.
The FA Cup winners will make their move in an attempt to stave off growing interest from, ironically, Villa.
Martin O'Neill is demanding that Crouch is included in a deal that would eventually pave the way for England midfielder Gareth Barry to move to Anfield.
Liverpool have tried to ease the 27-year-old striker's frustrations by offering him a new contract to stay at the club.
But after starting just seven Premier League games last season following the arrival of Fernando Torres, Crouch and his advisers refused to commit his long-term future to the club, prompting Liverpool to put a £15m price tag on his head.
Despite growing interest in Crouch from Pompey's rivals, Redknapp remains in the box seat to land his signature.
Crouch has always credited Redknapp with reviving his career when he was languishing in the Saints reserves.
While his prolific form in front of goal failed to stave off relegation, it paved the way for him to break into the England squad and seal a £7.5m move to Liverpool in the summer of 2005.
Portsmouth also hope to pull off the £4m capture of Manchester City captain Richard Dunne, who last night rejected an improved offer to stay at Eastlands.
The lanky England marksman - who was sold by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to Aston Villa when he took charge at Fratton Park, and later played under him at arch-rivals Southampton - has been at the top of his summer wish-list.
The FA Cup winners will make their move in an attempt to stave off growing interest from, ironically, Villa.
Martin O'Neill is demanding that Crouch is included in a deal that would eventually pave the way for England midfielder Gareth Barry to move to Anfield.
Liverpool have tried to ease the 27-year-old striker's frustrations by offering him a new contract to stay at the club.
But after starting just seven Premier League games last season following the arrival of Fernando Torres, Crouch and his advisers refused to commit his long-term future to the club, prompting Liverpool to put a £15m price tag on his head.
Despite growing interest in Crouch from Pompey's rivals, Redknapp remains in the box seat to land his signature.
Crouch has always credited Redknapp with reviving his career when he was languishing in the Saints reserves.
While his prolific form in front of goal failed to stave off relegation, it paved the way for him to break into the England squad and seal a £7.5m move to Liverpool in the summer of 2005.
Portsmouth also hope to pull off the £4m capture of Manchester City captain Richard Dunne, who last night rejected an improved offer to stay at Eastlands.
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