Last Updated: Thu, 08 May 2008 09:01
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch looks likely to be on his way out of the club this summer with Portsmouth the expected destination.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is prepared to offer £8m for the England striker who has found regular first team football at Anfield very difficult to come by.
A season of stops and starts for Crouch has left him frustrated and despite the fact that Rafa Benitez would love to keep him as a squad member, a parting of the ways looks to be on the cards.
Benitez is unlikely to stand in his way, and he told the Daily Post: "I was talking with him the other day and the conversation was positive.
"But we need to do what is best for him and best for us.
"He has one year on his contract. We know some clubs are asking about him but we need to wait and then do the best for him and for us."
As for Crouch himself, he has one year left on his present contract but without first team guarantees, which the manager cannot give, a move away looks to be the only answer.
He said: "When all is said and done, I don't think I can have another season like this year where I've started nine Premier League games. Out of a 38-game league season, nine games is not the amount you want to be playing.
"I'll have to speak to the manager and see what his plans are. I need to see him and sort things out. I have to find out what he wants from me next season and whether or not I can continue with that. In some ways, I want to feel wanted.
"So I'd like to speak to the manager and the club before I commit to anything and know whether or not I'll be here next year."