Roeder won't stoop to Crouch speculation

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has played down his chances of landing England striker Peter Crouch in the January transfer window.

Reports today suggested the Magpies are ready to launch a £12m (€18m) bid for the 6ft 7in Liverpool forward and although Roeder has an interest in Crouch he played down the speculation.

He said: “Someone knows more than I do. As far as I am concerned, there has not been a deal even spoken about. Secondly, I really hate managers talking about other managers’ players.

“Peter Crouch is a Liverpool player and I do not think Rafael Benitez would appreciate me talking about Peter Crouch when he is not a Newcastle player.

“At this moment in time, it is pure speculation and I would be surprised if he ended up becoming a Newcastle player.

“I said a month ago when I was asked, he is very talented and certainly deserves his place in the England team, in my opinion. But anything outside that would be unfair to Liverpool and the manager there.”

Roeder is in the market for a striker with Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi injured and loan signing Giuseppe Rossi on his way back to Manchester United after tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership trip to Everton.

It is understood Crouch is one a list of potential targets, although with cash at a premium at St James’ Park it is unlikely he would be able to invest at the suggested level.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd found £15million during the summer to land Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff despite having seen Roeder’s predecessor Graeme Souness invest a staggering £50m (€74m) during his brief but ill-fated reign.

With defensive reinforcements also a priority the club’s transfer kitty is likely to have to be spread rather thinly.