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Babayaro lands Pompey trial

Image: Babayaro: Portsmouth chance

Former Chelsea and Newcastle defender Celestine Babayaro is training with Portsmouth.

Nigerian given the chance to impress by Redknapp

Former Chelsea and Newcastle defender Celestine Babayaro is training with Portsmouth. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has given the 29-year-old the opportunity to impress after an ill-fated spell at Los Angeles Galaxy. Babayaro left Newcastle last December after more than two injury-hit years, when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Now he is bidding to win a deal at Fratton Park after being taken on trial for a week. Redknapp is looking for cover at left-back despite the impressive performances of first choice Hermann Hreidarsson. Babayaro first came to the Premier League in 1997 when he signed for Chelsea, before going on to make 197 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club. Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Djimi Traore has returned to the club for pre-season training while his future is resolved. Traore spent the second half of last season on loan at Rennes and had been expected to clinch a permanent move. Several French clubs are believed to be showing an interest in the 28-year-old full-back.