Moyes was still Preston boss when he tried to sign then 19-year-old Crouch.
“I met David Moyes when I was 19 to discuss a transfer,” said Crouch to News of the World. “I was still at QPR but I ended up moving to Portsmouth instead.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for him and he’s proven to be a top manager ever since.
“I heard rumours of interest a few times since he’s been at Everton, but once you’ve played for Liverpool it’s not the easiest move to consider so it never went any further.
“I have a lot of respect for Everton as a club. They haven’t had great results recently but they’ve always played above their means without spending the kind of money of other clubs, and they’re still the only side to break up the top four in the last few years.
“They are a good example for us because that’s what we’re trying to do at Spurs now.”
