Fulham hope to beat Sunderland for Portsmouth striker Crouch

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is preparing a £10 million bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.

The Daily Mail says Hodgson has identified the England centre forward as the man to help his side make the next step up after qualifying for the Europa League.

Crouch, 28, has grown frustrated with developments at Portsmouth with the majority of the squad due to leave this summer, players still in the dark over the club's ambitions following Dr Sulaiman's takeover bid and rumours over the managerial situation.

Although there is interest from Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool, he is keen to stay in the south.