Crouch rumours heighten as Todorov heads for Pompey

Pompey spent months and months searching for a striker - ever since the injuries of Burchill and Bradbury scuppered Pompey's season but now, as with that old bus adage, two have come along at once.

It was reported this morning that Nottingham Forest were close to signing Todorov for £500,000 but a few hours later and 'Toddy' seems to be heading south - for a quater of a million more. With a verbal agreement in place, all that remains now is for Pompey to agree personal terms - not thought to be a problem.

Mandaric told the official site: "I have given the green light to Harry Redknapp and Graham Rix to do the deal. We have been anxious to acquire a high profile striker and he is a young international who will bring the extra quality we need, to supplement Peter Crouch and Mark Burchill."

However, the news that Pompey are ready to splash the cash has cast doubts over the long term future of Peter Crouch. Crouch has long been a target for a few Premiership clubs - as well as Rangers in Scotland and speculation has heightened that he could be cashed in on. The arrival of Biagini on loan, who had such a classy debut, has ballooned the striking positions to incredible numbers - if not Crouch, the likes of Nightingale, Vine and Lovell must really be starting to worry over their future at PFC.