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

The 26-year-old Algeria international has signed a four-and-half-year contract after Pompey agreed a fee of £4.4million (€4.5million) with French club Lens.

Belhadj scored twice in 23 appearances while on loan, and manager Tony Adams told the club's website: "I am delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing.

"Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly.

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

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