Hreidarsson to Portsmouth: transfer report

Player: Hermann Hreidarsson
From: Charlton Athletic
To: Portsmouth
Fee : Free

32-year-old Icelander Hermann Hreidarsson exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Charlton on a free transfer if they were relegated to become Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's next big free signing.

Redknapp had only two days ago signed Distin, the highly rated French centreback for free on a three-year-contract. Now, he has further strengthened his defensive ranks with Hreidarrson.

Redknapp told the club's website: "I've always liked Hermann. I tried to buy him before and I'm delighted he's now here at Portsmouth.

"He's got great experience at Premier League level, he's big, quick, very good in the air and a good competitor. He can play at left-back and in the centre of defence so he gives us plenty of options."

The Charlton defender is rumoured to be the first of many Charlton players leaving the Addicks after the side got relegated to the second division, along with Sheffield United and Watford, in spite of a spirited fightback by the team towards the end of the season.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, had a brilliant start to the season, and after the first 10 games, were third only behind Manchester United and Chelsea, but threw it away towards the end, failing to reach a UEFA Cup spot. They finished at 54 points in 9th place, 2 points behind Bolton, who took the last European spot. With these additions, it does look as if Harry Redknapp's side is trying to join the ranks of Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth and are looking to break into the top four, and depose Arsenal or Liverpool, who both went without any trophies this season.