Pompey have previously had one bid - believed to be £9million - turned down but the Reds today revealed they had reached an agreement with their Premier League rivals, paving the way for negotiations between the south-coast club and their former player.

"We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter," a spokesman told the club's website.

Crouch joined Liverpool for £7million from Southampton, having previously played for Pompey in 2001-02.