England

Paul Hart: Peter Crouch Will Leave Portsmouth

The newly-appointed Pompey boss is anticipating the departure of a key striker.

Jul 21, 2009 3:15:48 PM

England Press Conference: Peter Crouch (PA)

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England Press Conference: Peter Crouch (PA)

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Portsmouth

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch has been heavily linked with an exit from Fratton Park in recent days, with Sunderland, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur all mooted as possible destinations for the lanky England international.

It now appears that the potential move to Sunderland has broken down, with the player himself reportedly favouring a move to Fulham, who will be competing in the Europa League next season, over anywhere else.

Pompey manager Paul Hart - today appointed on a full-time basis after keeping the club in the Premeir League whilst on temporary duty in the role last season - confirmed that he expects Crouch to leave when speaking to Sky Sports News earlier, ahead of his club's friendly at Havant.

When asked whether the completion of the club's takeover by Sulaiman Al Fahim would mean that Pompey would try and keep Crouch, Hart asserted, "I think not. I think Peter will leave.

"I don't know [where he'll go]. I think we've only accepted one bid and that's from Sunderland, so I don't know.

"Peter's a great lad, and it's too matter of fact to just say he's going. He's a great lad and he was fantastic in those three months I was here as caretaker manager.

"We'll be sorry to lose him if he does go. It'd be great to keep him. Everyone wants to keep their best players but we've got to be realistic."

And Hart concluded by affirming that there had been no bids for Crouch from Fulham or Spurs. "That's correct," he said, when asked if it was the case that no other offers had been received for the player.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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