Liverpool aiming to bring back Peter Crouch in cut-price deal

Liverpool will attempt a shock move to re-sign striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth.

Despite severe financial restrictions in place at Anfield, manager Rafa Benitez will attempt to try to land Crouch for as little as £4million.

The Anfield club are not alone in wanting Crouch.

Five other clubs - Blackburn, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham - have declared their interest in the lanky striker.

But Liverpool have a distinct advantage because Pompey still owe them half of the original £8m transfer fee, which is due to be paid over the next 18 months.

The deal to take Crouch to Fratton Park was spread over the two-and-half years of a four-year contract.

That's why, when Pompey were attempting to deal with a financial crisis a few weeks ago, Liverpool thought they could make a bargain signing.

However, Portsmouth's new wealth under their prospective owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim appears to ensure that there is no immediate requirement to sell Crouch.

And even if Pompey decided to cash in on him, they are likely to favour a deal with another club who are prepared to make a far bigger cash offer than Liverpool.

Crouch rejected three offers to stay at Liverpool prior to his £8m move to the south coast last summer and Pompey have now slapped a £10m premium on his head, valuing him at about £18m.

The marksman became increasingly frustrated sitting on the Anfield bench and demanded regular first-team football.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager at the time, guaranteed Crouch a place in the side in a dream partnership alongside fellow England international Jermain Defoe.

Defoe has subsequently followed Redknapp to Tottenham - and if he can raise funds by selling fringe players, the Spurs boss would like to work with Crouch again.

Charlton have won the race to sign Miguel Llera.

The 29-year-old defender (below) has signed up on a two-year deal after turning down a new contract at MK Dons.

Norwich were also chasing the Spaniard, who had an excellent season as the Dons reached the League Two play-offs.

Manager Tony Mowbray wants £2mrated Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez to lead West Brom's bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old caught the eye in the Championship last season during a 12-month loan at Swansea City, where he hit 14 goals.