Portsmouth conclude deal for Piquionne

Portsmouth have snapped up French striker Frederic Piquionne on a season-long loan from Lyon.

The 6ft 2in striker will be asked to replace the departed Peter Crouch in the Pompey side, and the Barclays Premier League club have an option to buy if he performs well.

Capped once by France, the 30-year-old Piquionne signed for Lyon last summer from Monaco, but struggled to force his way into the side.

Although Lyon sold star striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid this summer, Piquionne has remained surplus to requirements.

Piquionne has spent virtually all of his career in France, enjoying stints with Nimes Olympique, Rennes and St Etienne before moving to Monaco.

Lyon paid 4.5million euros (£3.8million) to sign him from the principality club last summer.

His only appearance for France came in a friendly against Austria in 2007.