Portsmouth seal Muntari signing

Portsmouth have completed the signing of Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari for a new club record fee.

Muntari, 22, has joined from Italian side Udinese on a five-year deal, with the deal thought to be worth about £7m.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: "We tried to get him in the last two transfer windows but Udinese didn't want to sell so we are delighted.

"He's got a great left-foot, has great energy, with the ability to run all day and he is a good passer of the ball."

Muntari is the third player to arrive at Fratton Park this summer following the deals for Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson.

Redknapp added: "I first saw Muntari at the World Cup against Brazil and he was the best player on the pitch.

"I've watched him three times since and he has been very impressive.

"Ghana have one of the best midfields in the world and he is a regular fixture in their side. He is a player with a big future." Muntari was delighted to see the move finally go through.

He told the club's website: "Portsmouth is a fantastic club, with class players such as Pedro Mendes, Sol Campbell, David James and Kanu and a great manager in Harry Redknapp, who is also a great man.

"I have been a Pompey supporter ever since they first wanted me a year ago and I've watched as many games as I could.

"The fans are great and they really love their football. I'm really looking forward to playing in front of them and helping the club make a push for European competition."

Pompey's previous record transfer fee was the £4.4m paid to Auxerre for Benjani Mwaruwari in January 2006.

Redknapp has also confirmed his interest in signing Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra and Rennes striker John Utaka.

France international Diarra, 25, would cost around £4.5m and Utaka, 24, is priced at £5.6m.