Manchester City poised to pounce for Liverpool's Peter Crouch

Nov 30 2007

Manchester City could be set to move for Peter Crouch after chairman Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was a big fan of the striker.

Eriksson was a champion of Crouch, 26, while England manager and it is no secret he is keen to recruit a forward during the January transfer window.

“Sven is looking for one striker and one or two midfielders,” Thaksin told Sky Sports News.

“Sven does like Peter Crouch, very much. But he has yet to decide.”

Crouch has been constantly linked with a move away from Liverpool this season after seeing his first-team appearances severely limited.

He could command more than the £7million Rafael Benitez paid for him more than two years ago but Thaksin insists City will be not be held to ransom over any player.

He added: “We are looking for good players that are good money, not too expensive. I am not in the position to buy everything at any cost.

“Sven will pick the right person at the right price.”

Meanwhile, Crouch has backed Jose Mourinho to be the next England manager.

The former Chelsea boss is favourite to land the role and Crouch believes he will get the best out of England’s failing squad.

He said: “All the Chelsea boys thoroughly enjoyed working with Mourinho and I think that shows in their results.

“They won the league twice when he was there. If he wants to take over, I’m sure he’ll do extremely well.

“I think now we need someone who can get the best out of us.

“It’s exciting times when you think of people who have been linked with the job.”