Redknapp bidding to capture Crouch

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in rivaling Sunderland and Fulham for the signature of beanpole striker Peter Crouch.

The England striker is expected to leave Portsmouth this summer, with the Black Cats and the Cottagers both having already having declared an interest in the £12million-rated hitman.

Crouch has held talks with Sunderland boss Steve Bruce over a possible switch to Wearside, but Redknapp is now considering a bid for the giant forward.

The former Pompey boss sold Crouch in the early days of his first stint on the south coast, before signing him while at the helm of local rivals Southampton and then bringing him back to Fratton Park from Liverpool in a £9million deal last summer.

"I like Peter. I've signed him several times and he's a top player," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"He's a player that we could be interested in, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Portsmouth obviously want to sell him now, they've accepted offers for him, so if they want to sell him, we'd be interested."

And Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, who played alongside Crouch for Portsmouth, would welcome the opportunity to renew their partnership.

He said, "I spoke to 'Crouchy' over the summer, while we were on England duty. I've played with him for several years, at Under-21 and now senior level.

"It's down to Crouchy, obviously he's going to go where he's going to play.

"If he wants to come here it's only going to help the team."