Utaka signs for Montpellier

Striker John Utaka has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier.

Nigerian international heading to south of France

Striker John Utaka has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier. The Nigerian international returns to France after failing to make an impact on the south coast with Portsmouth. The 29-year-old had previous spells for Lens in 2002, where he scored 24 goals in 100 appearances, and Rennes, where he bagged 22 goals in 63 games. Utaka was Portsmouth's record signing when he joined in July 2007 for £7 million. However, after managing only seven goals in three turbulent seasons, which has seen Pompey relegated from the Premier League, the club have decided to cash in with two-years left on his contract. He joins a club who currently sit in seventh position, although they have only managed 17 goals in 20 games this season. The club are hopeful Utaka will make his debut in next weekend's game against St Etienne.