Pompey boss Redknapp targets Crouch, Wright-Phillips and Kaboul

And if that fails, he will turn his attentions to Crouch’s team-mate Yossi Benayoun, Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Younes Kaboul of Spurs.

Redknapp is determined to produce a squad of quality before they prepare for a first-ever UEFA Cup campaign.

'It’s important we get going from the off and new players are vital to that aim,' said Redknapp, who has so far only signed Glen Little from Reading on a free transfer.

An initial bid of £8million for England striker Crouch, 27, and now the matter is being dealt with by Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie.

'I leave all the deals to him,' added Redknapp. 'I give Peter a list and off he goes, but because he has been away on holiday, I don’t know the latest.

'He’s back this week and things should start going again. Peter is a good bloke, he rarely lets me down, although I understand Liverpool do want more than we are offering. We shall see on that one.'

Redknapp also confirmed in The Star that he would love Chelsea winger Wright-Phillips, 26. He said: 'He’d be a hit here, the fans would love him.

'He’s my type of player but the problem is whether we  can afford him and his wages. He will also be anxious to see how his future lies with his new boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Pompey bound? Wright-Phillips

'I’d like to have someone like Yossi Benayoun, a player I once signed,' said Redknapp.

'He’s a top player. I don’t know what the chances are of getting him out of Liverpool.'

Pompey have also made enquiries about Tottenham’s unwanted French defender  Kaboul, 22, who has been sidelined since the arrival of Juande Ramos.

Redknapp added: 'I tried to sign him a year ago but Spurs came in with more money and beat me to it.

'If he is available again now then I am interested.'