Portsmouth sign Spurs defender Younes Kaboul

Portsmouth have beaten off competition from Aston Villa and Sunderland to sign Spurs' former French U-21 defender Younes Kaboul for an undisclosed fee.

"It wasn't a difficult choice to make coming here," the player told Portsmouth's official website.

"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.'"

Kaboul signed for Spurs last summer but found first-team chances limited after former boss Martin Jol was replaced by Juande Ramos. He's relishing the prospect of working with Harry Redknapp, however.

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

The competition for places is just us fierce at Portsmouth, of course, with Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin firmly established in the centre of Pompey's back four. Kaboul claimed he was up for the challenge, though:

"There is a lot of competition for places but that's good - it keeps everyone focussed," he said.

"Also, I can play in midfield or at the back - I don't mind really.

"The important thing is that I'm here and ready to play. I really want to do a good job here."

Kaboul also rubbished suggestions that moving to Portsmouth was a step down from Tottenham:

"It's a good opportunity for me because the club has a lot of ambition. I think Pompey are a top-five Premier League side and I believe I can achieve what I want to achieve at this club.

"We've got the UEFA Cup as well and I want to go a long way in that."

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