Liverpool are launching a bid for Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar.

The People says Reds manager Rafa Benitez is trying to tie Kranjcar into a deal that has already been agreed for Peter Crouch to move back to the South Coast side this summer from Anfield.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has fixed an £8m fee for Crouch, but Benitez now wants to offer his bean-pole striker plus cash to lure the 23-year-old Croatian away from Fratton Park.

Kranjcar has been playing for Pompey on the left wing, but Benitez plans to switch him onto the right with Ryan Babel staying on the opposite side.