The striker has committed his future to the Blues as talk of a January exodus grows.

And Crouch has backed his team to handle the loss of Lassana Diarra – if they use the £21.5m from the Frenchman's sale to spend on new players.

Speculation is mounting that Diarra will be the first of many to leave the club next month after Lauren broke ranks and said he would be on his way along with Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson.

Crouch has moved to kill talk he will be moving when the transfer window opens, however.

Aston Villa are among the 27-year-old's suitors, but the 6ft 7in hitman insisted he is content where he is.

Crouch said: 'At the moment I'm happy here. I'm loving playing every game. When I was at Liverpool I was in and out of the team, but I'm playing every week here.

'I loving pulling on the shirt and playing 90 minutes. I'm happy here.'

Crouch has backed the departing Diarra to be a hit when he completes his move to the Bernabeu.

The former Liverpool man felt it was inevitable the midfielder would soon be plying his trade with one of Europe's powerhouse outfits.

Crouch feels the deal represents good business, but only if Pompey reinvest his transfer fee wisely.

He said: 'Lassana is a fantastic player and it was just a matter of time before one of the big, big teams came in for him.

'I've no doubt he is going to go to Madrid and be a big player for them.

'The manager has said it was an offer the club couldn't refuse.

'If you look at the amount of money it makes good business sense.

'We can now get one maybe two players in that area. If we use the money wisely and strengthen, it will be the best for both parties.'

Talk of departures have gathered pace after Lauren said he would be leaving the Blues, with Defoe going to Spurs and Johnson also exiting.

He faces being carpeted by Pompey, who are known to be furious at his outburst in the Spanish press.

He said: 'The team is dismantling itself and big sides are coming.

'Diarra is not the only one – Defoe as well is returning to Tottenham and Glen Johnson is leaving.

'I'm leaving in January as well, going to Turkey or Greece.'

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