Adams hails Belhadj capture

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has described Nadir Belhadj as an "excellent acquisition" after the defender agreed a permanent deal at Fratton Park.

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

And Adams told Pompey's official website: "I am delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing. Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly."

The 26-year-old has been on loan on the south coast since the summer, making his debut in the defeat of Middlesbrough in September and will officially become a Portsmouth player when the transfer window opens on January 1.

He scored Pompey's goal in the 4-1 home defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day before being praised by Arsenal boss Wenger after the Gunners' 1-0 victory in the following game.

Adams continued: "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 Nico Kranjcar, but he can also play left midfield.

"His enthusiasm is first class and he's already a big favourite with the Fratton Park fans - they recognise he gives everything."

Executive chairman Peter Storrie expressed his delight that Belhadj had chosen Pompey.

"I'm delighted to have turned Nadir's move into a permanent one," he said.

"There was a lot of interest in him from a number of clubs across Europe, but he is enjoying his football on the south coast and was very keen to to sign a long-term contract with us."