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Liverpool?s official website revealed yesterday that the club had accepted an ?11million offer for Crouch from Portsmouth, with the deal expected to be completed in the next few days.

The beanpole hitman?s return to the South Coast will leave a noticeable hole in Liverpool?s forward, as it would leave only Andriy Voronin or the inexperienced Ryan Babel to cover for Fernando Torres (if we assume Dirk Kuyt has found his niche on the right).


And even if Babel takes up a more central role ? which many perceive to be his natural one ? that would leave a sizeable hole on the left of the Reds? attack, which Yossi Benayoun has limited success filling last season.

Rafa Benitez had been told by club co-owner Tom Hicks that he would have to sell before he buys, which leaves Xabi Alonso straddling the exit at Anfield while Gareth Barry has well and truly slammed the door behind him at Aston Villa.

But Alonso could yet stay if Benitez chooses to use the Crouch sale to fund the Barry deal, as the ex-Valencia boss has stated that both could play together due to the latter?s versatility and left-footedness.

Of course, if Alonso should move to Juventus for around ?16million as supposed, ?18million-priced Barry would simply replace the Basque playmaker in central midfield while the Crouch money would be put towards genuine left-sided attackers.

Valencia winger David Silva is right at the top of the wish-list, although his ?20million price tag might require additional sales on the Reds? part, which could see Benayoun and/or Jermaine Pennant offloaded.

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