Crouch closer to Anfield exit as Liverpool let Pompey speak to him

Pompey have previously had one bid - believed to be £9million - turned down but the Reds today (Monday) 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 Liverpool's website.  

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

Scroll down for more

Out of the Reds: Crouch looks set to return to Fratton Park

Pompey defender Linvoy Primus is looking forward to welcoming 27-year-old Crouch back.

Veteran Primus is the only remaining survivor from Crouch's first spell at the club and he said: 'It looks like it will happen. I don't think it's a secret. I just think the clubs couldn't agree terms.   

'It's like Gareth Barry going to Liverpool - you just expect it to happen. I don't think it was Peter stopping it - it boiled down to the two clubs getting together and sorting it out. That's usually the reason why these things take so long.  

'Once the clubs agree I'm sure it's a done deal. I certainly hope so. He's going to be an asset and I'm sure a lot of fans would like to see him as well.  

'I remember him first time around and he was always destined to go on and do well.  

'You don't score 18 goals in a struggling team and not go and push on - and he has.  

'Everybody knew about his ability. We used to see it in training every day and it's no surprise seeing him play for England and scoring goals. It was no surprise when Liverpool signed him.  

'I'd love to play with him again. It's a case of just making sure that if he does sign, I can be in that team to play with him.'  

Crouch's return would attract a Pompey club-record transfer fee, eclipsing the fee they paid for Jermain Defoe last season. 

But Primus believes he could be worth every penny as he added on his club's official website: 'You are not going to go backwards if you sign an England international. He's always going to be a good addition.  

'We want to improve and the only way to improve is to bring in players who can handle the Premier League and take the club forward. That's what it is about.'