Crouch fears for future at Liverpool

Peter Crouch wants showdown talks with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez over his Anfield future.

The England striker, whose contract expires next summer, has started just nine Premier League games since the July arrival of Fernando Torres.

The 27-year-old, who cost the Reds £7million from Southampton almost three years ago, said: "I don't think I can have another season like this year. I'll have to speak to the manager and see what his plans are. In some ways, I want to feel wanted."

Benitez claims Crouch was offered a new deal midway through this season but the player insisted contract talks amounted to an informal "five-minute chat".

Meanwhile, Liverpool's latest design for a 60,000-seater stadium has been approved by the council for the third time in five years.