Belhadj seals permanent Portsmouth switch

Portsmouth have signed defender Nadir Belhadj on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park.

The 26-year-old Algeria international has signed a four-and-half-year contract after Pompey agreed a fee of £4.4m with French club Lens.

Belhadj, who has scored twice in 23 appearances this season, will officially become a Portsmouth player when the transfer window opens on 1 January.

Manager Tony Adams told the club's website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk: "I am delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing.

"Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly.

"He has great pace and energy and is a terrific crosser of the ball, too.

"At the moment he is playing left-back and developing a good relationship with Niko Kranjcar, but he can also play left midfield."