Premier League Rumour Mill: Pompey tracking Crouch and Defoe

He is to endorse Harry Redknapp's search for a new striker by providing the funds which will test Liverpool's resolve to keep Peter Crouch at Anfield.

Tottenham marksman Jermain Defoe is also high on the shopping list while Watford goalscorer Marlon King is also on the radar in case the other options fail to materialse.

Gaydamark has also thanked fans by launching Pompey's biggest fleet of coach to an away game for 15 years.

He has forked out £60,000 to provide free travel to more than 2,000 supporters on 40 coaches which will travel to Wigan tomorrow as the Blues chase a fourth-successive away victory.

It will be Pompey's biggest coach following since the 1992 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool and Portsmouth director of communications Gary Double said: "This is a gesture in recognition of the consistent support we had at Blackburn and Burnley where our fans outsung the opposition at both venues.

"Sacha was more than happy to give something back as our fans are the best in the competition and he felt they should be rewarded for that.

"They can make a huge difference to the team, no doubt, and I know for certain the players really appreciate it as well."

Portsmouth escaped from relegation at the JJB Stadium two years ago and made the most of their reprieve last season when they narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Cup.

Coach co-ordinator Mark Mudie added: "I remember taking 36 coaches to Manchester United in the FA Cup in January 2003 but this eclipses that.

"We have never had this many since the Highbury and Villa Park semi-finals, which just goes to show how many fans are going."

Middlesbrough and Chelsea are both interested in £3m-rated 19-year-old Danish centre-half Simon Kjaer, who is currently playing for FC Midtjylland while Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is planning a £2.5m raid on Steaua Bucharest for Romania midfielder Nicolae Dica.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are to offer a contract to Carlos Tevez's attacking midfielder brother Miguel.

Rumour of the day: Bolton will turn their attentions to Glenn Hoddle after drawing a blank in pursuit of Birmingham boss Steve Bruce.

No chance: Southampton will not land Fulham defender Moritz Voltz in January unless they are in the thick of the Championship promotion race.