Sunderland have tabled a £11 million offer for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.

The Times says Portsmouth were considering their response last night to Sunderland's bid of about £11 million for Crouch.

The forward has expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation at the club, with many out-of-contract players having left and uncertainty surrounding the proposed takeover by Sulaiman al-Fahim. Crouch scored 18 goals last season after his £11 million move from Liverpool.

Portsmouth are expected to reject Sunderland's offer - which would earn them an additional £2 million in instalments - in the hope of forcing an auction for Crouch, who has been linked with Fulham and Blackburn Rovers.