|
Benitez happy to sell Crouch
08/05/2008 16:56 - (SA)
Liverpool - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is prepared to sell England striker Peter Crouch for 15 million pounds.
Crouch has started just nine of Liverpool's 37 Premier League matches despite being the club's leading scorer in all competitions last season, and has been linked with a transfer away from the club.
Benitez have preferred record signing Fernando Torres up front and said on Thursday that Crouch could leave in the off-season.
"Crouch wants to play every week but knows he must fight it out with Fernando Torres," Benitez said. "We keep seeing Portsmouth linked with the player but we have had no offer as yet.
"A 15m pound price tag would not be unreasonable."
Crouch has scored 40 goals for Liverpool since joining from Southampton in July 2005 for 7 million pounds. He has also hit 14 goals in 25 games for England, but Benitez still opted to buy Torres last year and the Spain striker has excelled with 32 goals.
Benitez, who said he had spoken with Aston Villa over a move for midfielder Gareth Barry, also confirmed that injury-prone winger Harry Kewell will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The club was rumoured to have offered the Australian a new deal on lower wages, reflecting his long periods of inaction. Kewell has started 108 games over five years with the club, missing long spells because of physical problems.
"We have tried to come to an agreement with the player and his agent, but that has not been possible," Benitez said.
Benitez is also looking for a new coach after Alex Miller accepted the manager's job with Japanese J-League club JEF United Chiba.
"We have some names to consider and will make an appointment soon," Benitez said.
- SAPA
|
