The Independent says Liverpool expect a £10 million offer from arrive from Portsmouth in the coming days - which they hope will kick Newcastle United and Aston Villa into action.

Villa would want Crouch as part of the deal for Gareth Barry - an exchange Rafa Benitez has been so far unwilling to sanction. Even then, the personal terms at Villa would have to be right for Crouch, who will not be pushed into a move. In the worst case scenario, he would be prepared to see out his contract and leave on a Bosman free transfer next summer.