Lowe: No new offers for Crouch

Chairman Rupert Lowe has reiterated that Southampton want to keep hold of in-demand striker Peter Crouch and has denied the club have received any fresh offers for the England international.

The 24-year-old has been the centre of much speculation surrounding his future at St Mary’s following Saints’ relegation from the Barclays Premiership, and Liverpool and West Ham have had £6m (€9m) bids rejected.

However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez has made Crouch a top transfer priority and the giant striker favours a move to Anfield with Liverpool competing in the Champions League next season.

Lowe told the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: “It seems to have gone a bit quiet at the moment and hopefully it will stay that way. We want to keep him.

“There has been a lot of speculation but we haven’t had any more bids.”

Saints boss Harry Redknapp has concurred with his chairman’s views and maintains Liverpool will have to improve their offer if they are to have any hope of landing Crouch.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: “I think the chairman has given them a figure.

“Rafael Benitez has come out and said he wants Peter for their pre-season trip, they go away to Sweden or Switzerland.

“If he wants Peter, I think there is a figure the chairman has given them and if they pay that figure I’m sure they can do whatever they want to do.

“If they don’t then let’s just forget about it and move on. I’ll keep Peter for the season, they can look elsewhere. I don’t want to lose him.”

Southampton have already seen Kevin Phillips join Aston Villa, while Henri Camara has returned to Wolves after his loan spell, leaving the forward line looking worryingly thin.

If Crouch leaves this will only exacerbate the situation but will bring in funds to allow Redknapp to enhance his squad ahead of their Championship battle.

He added: “At the moment I’ve got no money to bring anybody in, I’ve had 11 players go out, I’ve lost Kevin Phillips who would have scored 25 goals next season. I’ve lost Henri Camara. It’s not easy.”

The news that Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has gone directly to his former chairman Lowe to enquire about his players has done little to improve Redknapp‘s mood.

Strachan has been strongly linked with goalkeeper Antti Niemi, defender Claus Lundekvam and midfield duo Rory Delap and Paul Telfer – and Redknapp has been left frustrated by his advances.

He told the Scottish Sun: “It‘s very disappointing to say the least that Gordon has not been in touch. I wouldn’t go to direct to his chairman if I wanted one of his players.

“Celtic have been talking to my chairman because Gordon has a fantastic relationship with him apparently.”