Man City finally get Benjani

Manchester City have finally completed the signing of Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari for an initial fee of £3.87million.

The Zimbabwe international has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal after passing a medical. Further payments could be made to Portsmouth if the player makes up to 75 senior starts.

The two clubs came to a compromise on the transfer having originally reached an impasse after City tried to back out of the original deal last Thursday night after concerns about the striker's fitness.

Pompey called in the Premier League, claiming the 29-year-old's move had already been completed, and they confirmed the paperwork for the switch had been submitted before the transfer deadline, meaning the move will satisfy FIFA.

"I would like to thank Portsmouth, the Premier League and the Football Association for their help, understanding and assistance in enabling this transfer to be completed to the satisfaction of all concerned," chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told Manchester City's website.

"In particular I would like to thank Peter Storrie (chief executive) of Portsmouth and David Richards of the Premier League for their hard work and pragmatism."

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson added: "I am delighted that we have signed such a quality player and I am looking forward to working with him straight away."

Portsmouth's director of communications Gary Double declared his satisfaction with the deal, claiming they had no concerns over the player's fitness.

"It's good to get this sorted for both clubs and of course for Benji, who is the most important person in this."

"Manchester City are concerned about Benji's knee, whereas both Portsmouth and Benji know there's not a problem.

"He's as strong as an ox and never misses a day's training, but in order for the deal to go through for Benji we've agreed to phase the payments.

"The terms have been changed, however. Portsmouth will still get the agreed fee. We are happy this matter has now been settled to everyone's satisfaction.

"Benji has been great for Pompey and we wish him every success for the future."