Muntari’s Portsmouth Deal Now Sealed

Harry Redknapp has quickly set about adding to the arrival of Sylvain Distin after Udinese confirmed that midfielder Sulley Muntari has travelled to England to complete his move to Portsmouth.

Roberto Zanzi, the General Director of the Italian side, revealed the clubs have negotiated an undisclosed fee and it is now down to the Ghanaian to agree terms.

Zanzi told PA Sport: "We have been negotiating with Portsmouth for the permanent transfer of Sulley Muntari to the English club.

"The negotiations have advanced and we have allowed the player to go to England to discuss his personal terms."

The 22-year-old moved to Udinese in 2001 before making his debut the following year, and he is an integral part of the national team, scoring against the Czech Republic in the 2-0 win at last year's World Cup in Germany.

Pompey manager, Harry Redknapp, has made no secret of his desire to take Muntari to Fratton Park after Distin arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City.

"I think we are very close," Redknapp said yesterday about Muntari, whose arrival at around £7million would shatter the club's transfer record.

"We are hopeful we can get it done very soon. I have watched him for over a year and at just 22, he is a fantastic player."