Harry Redknapp fears his pursuit of Peter Crouch is becoming 'too expensive' after Liverpool reportedly rejected a £9million bid for him.Portsmouth gaffer Redknapp is keen to lure Crouch back to Fratton Park to form a partnership with Pompey's current record signing Jermain Defoe.

Reports on the South Coast claim that a club-record bid of £9million for the gangly goalgetter has been turned down by the Reds.

Crouch has just a year left on his Anfield contract and Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to sign the England international.

However, the Pompey boss concedes he may have to look elsewhere after suggesting he is being priced out of a move for the 27-year-old.

"I'd love to bring Crouchie back here," Redknapp told The News. "We are trying to do deals to bring in players and (chief executive) Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.

"But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price. It seems like things are getting a bit too expensive.

"Crouchie is a player who is on our list, but if nothing can be done then we will just move on to the next player."

More Football News from TEAMtalk