Belhadj earns Portsmouth contract

Belhadj is also an attacking threat for Portsmouth

Portsmouth have signed defender Nadir Belhadj on a permanent contract after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park.

The 26-year-old Algeria international has signed a four-and-half-year deal after Pompey agreed a fee of £4.4m with French club Lens.

Manager Tony Adams told Portsmouth's website: "I'm delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing - he is an excellent acquisition for the club.

"He has great pace and energy and is a terrific crosser of the ball, too."

As well as shining in defence, Belhadj has also scored twice in his 23 appearances so far this season.

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Adams added: "Even Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly.

"At the moment he is playing at left-back and developing a good relationship with Niko Kranjcar, but he can also play left midfield."