Portsmouth complete Kaboul signing

(GETTY IMAGES)

Portsmouth have completed the signing of defender Younes Kaboul from Tottenham.

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp beat off competition from Sunderland and Aston Villa to bring the 22-year-old centre-back to Fratton Park for an undisclosed fee.

The France Under-21 player only signed for Spurs last summer but found first-team chances limited after former boss Martin Jol was replaced by Juande Ramos.

Kaboul becomes Redknapp's second major signing of the close season following his £11m capture of England striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool.

Despite reports claiming he could be set for a switch to the Stadium of Light or Villa Park, Kaboul is adamant he only ever wanted to join Pompey.

"It wasn't a difficult choice to make coming here. Everyone in the papers was saying I was going to Sunderland or Aston Villa but I only ever wanted to come here," he told www.portsmouthfc.com.

"As soon as I knew they were interested I said: 'I want to come to Pompey.'

"I came here because the manager has wanted me for two years. I met him two years ago when I was at Auxerre and I like the man because he gives you confidence."

Kaboul refused to accept he was taking a step down by moving from north London to the FA Cup winners, and suggested his new employers would beat Tottenham to a place in the Barclays Premier League's top five.

"It's a good opportunity for me because the club has a lot of ambition," he said.

"I think Pompey are a top-five Premier League side and I believe I can achieve what I want to achieve at this club.

"We've got the Uefa Cup as well and I want to go a long way in that."

Kaboul was a regular under Jol, who took him to White Hart Lane last summer, but then struggled to dislodge Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Dawson and, on the rare occasions he was fit, Ledley King at the heart of the Tottenham defence.

With Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin already established as Redknapp's centre-backs, the Frenchman could end up in a similar situation on the south coast - but he is unfazed by the challenge the awaits him.

"It does mean that there is a lot of competition for places but that's good - it keeps everyone focussed," he said.

"Also, I can play in midfield or at the back - I don't mind really.

"The important thing is that I'm here and ready to play. I really want to do a good job here."