Emana wants Pompey move

Cameroon international Achille Emana has confirmed he is close to joining Portsmouth.

The 23-year-old has been scouted closely by Pompey in recent weeks and manager Harry Redknapp made a personal check on him earlier this month.

The likes of Arsenal and Everton have both monitored Emana's progress over the past year, but Pompey have now made their move to land the highly-rated Toulouse midfielder.

Emana admits a move to Fratton Park appeals and he is hopeful a deal can be done.

"Yes, Toulouse and Portsmouth are negotiating," Emana told skysports.com.

"I am very interested in moving to this team and I am quite optimistic.

"I have been playing in France for six years now, and I would like to know something else.

"The Premier League is a fantastic championship, it interests me a lot."

Emana admits he is good friends with Pompey striker Benjani and he would love the chance to play with him.

"I would like to bring to Portsmouth everything I can," he continued.

"I have a close friend who plays there, Benjani. I would be happy to play with him, and I would discover a new team, new team-mates, a new staff.

"It is the beginning of a new era for me and I wish to blossom there.

"A decision will be taken in a few weeks."