Crouch agrees terms with Portsmouth

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is on the verge of completing his 11 million pounds (13.8 million euros) switch to Portsmouth after agreeing personal terms with Harry Redknapp's side.

Redknapp expects to seal the deal by the end of this week once Crouch's medical results are confirmed.

The 27-year-old has already had one spell at Portsmouth, having played for the club in the 2001-02 season.

Crouch's departure will free up funds for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to move for Valencia striker David Villa and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

But Benitez admitted he was sorry to see the England international leave Anfield.

“He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract,” Benitez said.

“But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

“I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield.”