Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Pompey seal late Defoe deal

01 Feb 2008 - 07:12:20

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Portsmouth left it until the 11th hour but finally completed the signing of Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day.

Pompey had an offer for the unsettle striker accepted earlier on Thursday and Defoe travelled to Fratton Park to discuss terms with manager Harry Redknapp.

He finally signed just before midnight after agreeing a 'long-term' contract.

The England striker was widely expected to quit Spurs during the current transfer window after seeing his starting opportunities become limited in recent seasons.

The 25-year-old was well behind Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov in coach Juande Ramos' pecking order.

Defoe, who was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad which was announced on Thursday, will link up with former West Ham boss Redknapp at the south coast club.

"I haven't been playing football," admitted Defoe.

"Hopefully I can play football here and get myself back in there.

"When you haven't been playing football, you can't expect to get in the England squad.

"I totally understand that. I just want to play football and score goals."