Portsmouth have been linked with a move for the England striker, but the Liverpool boss has played down the speculation.

"There has been no bid for Crouch - certainly not before this morning anyway," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I have the same idea now as I've said before. I don't want to let anyone go. I've spoken to the player and he knows we need him."

However, although the Spaniard admits he had been looking at the market, he claims any deal is now unlikely as he is not keen to sign a player 'for the sake of it'.

"Maybe there will be deals for some of our young reserves, that's all.

"We were checking some options for the first-team squad yesterday, but it's very difficult to find the right players of late.

"I don't think we will be signing anyone now.

"We decided we don't want to sign a player for the sake of it. It has to be the right player and not for crazy money."