Pompey admit Defoe loan

Striker deal yet to be made into permanent arrangement

Last updated: 3rd February 2008

Jermain Defoe Portsmouth

Defoe: Loan switch

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Portsmouth have admitted that Jermain Defoe's move to the South Coast from Tottenham is only a loan deal, but they are confident a permanent arrangement will be finalised next week.

Defoe made an immediate impression at his new club on Saturday, when his debut goal earned Portsmouth an impressive point against Chelsea.

Portsmouth's faithful saluted a new favourite at the game's conclusion, but revelations in a Sunday newspaper claimed they had yet to conclude a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old.

A club spokesman has now come out to clear up the situation, explaining that an initial loan arrangement was struck due to time constraints.

"The Defoe transfer was done as an initial loan because of time restraint.

"The full documents will be signed and registered this week and this is a standard method when you have little time."

Defoe's move to Portsmouth was always dependent on Benjani Mwaruwari being sold to Manchester City, a move that is still in doubt, after his switch to Eastlands ran out of time before Thursday night's transfer deadline.

Benjani currently finds himself in limbo, staying in a Manchester hotel, but Portsmouth are confident his move will be ratified just as soon as the Premier League complete their investigation over why forms from City to register the Zimbabwean did not arrive in time.

City waiting

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: "I honestly could not tell you the exact details but (at five minutes to midnight on Thursday) the two deals were dependent on each other with us getting £9million for Benjani and spending it on Defoe.

"I feel for Benjani because at the moment he seems to be the big loser in all this, but hopefully it will all be sorted out on Monday and I think he will end up as a Manchester City player.

"If not, from a greedy football manager's point of view, I'd be delighted to get Benjani back. I didn't want to lose him in the first place but, of course, I had to because it is good business to sell a 29-year-old and get in a lad of 25 who is always going to get you goals.

"The owner has spent a lot of money here already. He's been fantastic for me and it wouldn't be fair on him if he has to spend more now (with nothing coming back)."