Pompey clinch Diop deal
Papa Bouba Diop said he was seeking a fresh challenge
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Friday, 31, Aug 2007 10:09
Portsmouth have swooped for Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop for an undisclosed fee.
Diop has decided to join Pompey on a three-year deal despite interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United.
The 29-year-old Senegal international told Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez he wanted a fresh challenge after three years at Craven Cottage.
Diop was close to a £5 million move to Wigan in January but the transfer collapsed.
The midfield powerhouse made 76 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers, scoring eight goals, after signing from Lens in 2004.
It completes a busy transfer deadline day for boss Harry Redknapp having earlier signed defender Glen Johnson.
Pompey and Fulham did business earlier in the day with defender Dejan Stefanovic joining the west London club.
The 32-year-old Serbian joined Lawrie Sanchez's side on a two-year deal for a fee of £1 million.
Sanchez said he was delighted at signing an experienced centre-back.
"Dejan reads the game well, is brave and knows the pace and strength of the Premiership, so I have no doubt that he will prove to be an asset for us over the coming months," Sanchez said.
"It’s been a busy transfer period for us and we have bought some real quality into the squad. It's been a disappointing start for us in terms of the results, but I’m confident that we have a squad of players now that can go on and achieve things here."