Crouch's representative has indicated the England international could be on his way, as the Blues balance the books ahead of Sulaiman Al Fahim's arrival.

Pompey were today staying tight-lipped over the future of their players after they returned to training yesterday. Executive chairman Peter Storrie is keen to keep a low profile until Al Fahim's takeover is sealed.

He is back in the country after meeting the Arab property tycoon in Paris, where they met Roberto Mancini for talks over the manager's post.

The news of Crouch's likely departure is a blow for supporters, with the prized asset banging in 16 goals following his £9m move from Liverpool last summer.

A £14m price tag has been put on the 6ft 7in hitman's head, with AC Milan, Sunderland, Blackburn, Spurs and Fulham all keen. His agent, Jonathan Barnett, stated last month Crouch would stay at Pompey.

Barnett reiterated the 28-year-old was content at Fratton Park but feels the club's hand will now be forced.

He said: 'I think Portsmouth have financial problems. I think every player is available.

'You would have to speak to Portsmouth to see if they are willing to sell Peter. He doesn't feel he's been let down, though. He has a great relationship with Portsmouth. He doesn't feel let down at all.

'We haven't heard anything from Milan or anyone at this stage.

'He's a Portsmouth player, he likes the club and thinks a lot of Peter Storrie and Paul Hart.

'He is happy, but if there are circumstances where he has to move, that is football I'm afraid.

'He's still on holiday at the moment and has been given a few more days off by the club because he has been playing for England.

'There's nothing untoward about that, though. All the England team are allowed a bit longer off.

'If Portsmouth were to receive an offer from somebody then we would have to listen to it.'

Meanwhile, Mancini was today weighing up his next step after meeting Al Fahim on Tuesday.

He wants assurances from the Blues about the transfer budget he would be handed before making a decision on whether to move to Fratton Park.

That was not clarified after he flew to France from Sardinia for discussions. A second round of discussions are now in the offing.

Mancini still has a contract dispute with Inter to resolve before he makes his next managerial move.