Having been linked with Newcastle United within hours of the transfer window opening, England striker Peter Crouch is also reported to be a target for Italian giants Juventus, according to sources in Italy where Crouch, allegedly, is seen as a possible replacement for David Trezeguet.
Trezeguet's long-term future at Juve is shrouded in doubt, with the player thought to be considering his options, and Juventus are now believed to be drawing up a list of targets to replace the Frenchman; with Crouchy somewhere near the top of the list.
It has even been suggested that Liverpool and Juventus might do a straight swap between Crouch and Trezeguet, although there's been no word from either camp that such a deal is a goer.
England international Crouch has struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafa Benitez's side this season, with Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy, keeping him out of the starting XI most weekends.
But after scoring a stunning goal as the injured Bellamy's replacement against Bolton on New Year's Day, and amidst reports that Newcastle are ready to pay £12m for him, Crouch has spoken of his happiness at Anfield.
"I've heard all the speculation and all I can say is I'm happy here and love playing for the club," Crouch said. "It's a fantastic club, all the games are massive and I wouldn't want to leave. I see my future here and as long as the manager doesn't want me to go, I won't be going."
Benitez wascritical of Crouch's performance in the Boxing Day defeat at Blackburn, but the England international responded positively against Bolton - and plans to continue to do so, having never shirked a challenge.
He added: "I've had challenges throughout my career and this is another one. There are a lot of players who get rotated and I'm not the only one. When you get a chance, you've got to take it. Hopefully I've given the manager something to think about.
"It can get frustrating when you want to play every game and do your best for the club, but all you can do is keep working hard. I know the manager has got no problem with me."
Closer to home, or at least reality, and Preston are fighting desperately to hang on to star striker David Nugent who is attracting interest once again from a host of Premiership clubs. No doubt someone will suggest a Nugent-Crouch swap at some stage!
North End have reportedly rejected a £6m bid from Sheffield United for the England Under 21 international but chairman Derek Shaw insists that Nugent will not be sold in the January transfer window. "We do not want to sell him. We want to get to the Premiership," said Shaw, who has heeded the advice of Preston manager Paul Simpson, who is desperate to keep Nugent to spearhead his side's promotion push.
Shaw added on Wednesday: "We have 19 cup finals left, and David Nugent is not for sale. David Nugent has been tremendous for us, and I am sure he will play in the Premier League. But we want that to be with Preston North End. He will be a big player for us in these 19 cup finals, and we will assess the situation again after that."
