Crouch is an option for Chelsea

CAIRO – 20January 2018: Chelsea are getting desperate in their pursuit of a “target man” striker in the January transfer window. Stoke City’s 36-year-old Peter Crouch is tipped as most likely to join, according to BBC Sport.

All evidence pointed to West Ham’s Andy Carroll as Chelsea’s latest addition, as he reportedly agreed to sign for €22 million ($27 million), but the negotiations were paralyzed because of Carol’s ankle injury.

Carroll could be unable to play for between one and four months, if doctors confirm that he must spend time in the operating room.

Given such a setback, Chelsea has thought of other alternatives. The London club is now aiming for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch.

Crouch may fulfill his dream of being the Blue’s number 9 and he could retire in the club that he has admired since he was young. A transfer to Chelsea would mean the six-foot-seven striker has played for a total of seven clubs in the Premier League.

Crouch has played for Aston Villa, Southampton, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke City. He managed to score 104 goals and provided 57 assists in 448 games.

Other alternatives being considered are Tottenham’s Fernando Llorente and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke.