Redknapp signs Algerian ace

3:02pm Monday 1st September 2008

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has made his first deadline-day signing by taking Algerian international left-back Nadir Belhadj on loan from French club Lens.

The loan will last until the end of the season when Portsmouth will have the option of permanently signing the 26-year-old who has won 23 caps for his country.

He has also scored three goals at international level, and told Pompey's website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: "I like the system Portsmouth played at Everton. It will suit me because of my pace."

He added: "And Harry Redknapp is a great manager. Other clubs wanted me but I only wanted to come to Portsmouth once I knew they were chasing me."

Belhadj, who started his career with Lens, but then moved on to Gueugnon, Sedan and Lyon before returning to Lens at the beginning of this year, has activated a clause in his contract allowing him to leave again.