Portsmouth pull off Cisse coup

Portsmouth today pulled off the surprise signing of Birmingham midfielder Aliou Cisse for £300,000.

Cisse, who captained Senegal in the 2002 World Cup, was expected to spend a year on loan at Crystal Palace but has signed a two-year deal at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's official website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk: "Aliou is a tenacious ball-winning player with a very competitive spirit.

"He is a winner and has been sought after by a few Premier League clubs.
"He will greatly add to the strength of our midfield."

Cisse is in line to make his debut against his old club as Birmingham visit Fratton Park on the opening day of the Barclays Premiership season.