Portsmouth sign Kaboul from Spurs

Kaboul last played for Spurs in a 4-1 defeat by Birmingham in March

Portsmouth have sealed the signing of Younes Kaboul from Tottenham.

The French defender, who was also linked with Sunderland and Aston Villa, has joined for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a four-year contract.

"I think Pompey are a top-five Premier League side and I believe I can achieve what I want to achieve at this club," he told Portsmouth's official website.

Kaboul, 22, joined Spurs for around £8m from Auxerre last July but only made 19 Premier League starts.

Kaboul becomes manager Harry Redknapp's second major signing of the summer following his £11m capture of England striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool.

As soon as I knew they were interested I said: 'I want to come to Pompey.' Younes Kaboul

Reports suggest Yaboul, who has captained France's Under-21 national side, is likely to cost around £6m.

"It wasn't a difficult choice to make coming here," said Yaboul on Monday. "Everyone in the papers was saying I was going to Sunderland or Aston Villa but I only ever wanted to come here.

"As soon as I knew they were interested I said: 'I want to come to Pompey.'

"I came here because the manager has wanted me for two years. I met him when I was at Auxerre and I like the man because he gives you confidence."

Speaking after Sunday's Community Shield defeat by Manchester United, coach Joe Jordan said Kaboul had been earmarked to play in central defence.

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"He'll be a massive asset. Not only for the quality of player he is, but also the age that he is as well," Jordan told BBC Radio Solent.

"He's young, he's a player that needs to play games, and he needs to learn. He's a very good athlete, strong in the air, and he's quick."

Kaboul is expected to compete with former England international Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin for a position in the first team.