Pompey announce Belgian deal

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• Asmir Begovic

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Portsmouth have announced a link-up with Belgian side Zulte Waregem, while Asmir Begovic and Marc Wilson have penned new deals with the club.

The Fratton Park club have struck a reported three-year deal with the Jupiler League side whereby players can be loaned out in order to gain experience or potentially gain work permits.

Director of youth operations Paul Hart told the club's official website: "We have our own coach in as part of the link-up, so it really is a no-lose situation for us.

"The link gives us an option to use the club for non-EU players, so it opens the world up for us in that respect.

"Of course, it works as a feeder system as well - if we feel we have players we can loan, then there is an option for us to do that."

Extensions

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Begovic and versatile midfielder Wilson have both inked new three-year contracts that will keep them at the club until 2011.

Begovic, who has yet to make a first-team appearance, said: "It's a nice honour to be wanted here. Competing for a place in the team is one the most difficult things about being a keeper.

"But being patient is just a thing that goalkeepers have to be."

Wilson, 20, added: "I've just got to work hard in pre-season and see where it goes from there.

"But the plan is to push on and hopefully break into the first team."