I left Spurs to salvage my England career, says star Defoe

Defoe completed a £9million move to Portsmouth just before the transfer window shut at midnight last night.

It came on the same day he was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad for the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday.

It is believed the Italian told Defoe that he has to be playing more football to be involved - and he was not going to get that at White Hart Lane this season.

The 25-year-old has started just three Premier League games for Spurs this term and has been mostly used as a substitute by manager Juande Ramos.

Defoe, who is reunited with manager Harry Redknapp having played under him at West Ham, believes he has a better chance to impress Capello at Portsmouth.

He said: "I haven't been playing football so I can't expect to be named in the England squad. I totally understand. Hopefully I will play regularly here and get myself back in there. I just want to play and get some goals.

"I can't wait, to be honest. I haven't been playing so I just want to get my boots on, I'm happy."

Redknapp added: "I think he will be a great signing for us. A couple of his mates are down here in Glen Johnson and David James. I think he is a top player. He is too good not to be playing. It is about moving the club forward, getting better players and it will be great to have him."

The 25-year-old's transfer was concluded despite Manchester City's £9m move for Portsmouth striker Benjani failing.

City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said this morning: "Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester, we were unable to complete the transfer."

Defoe had an anxious wait having agreed personal terms by 8.30pm and passed his medical by 10pm. But the transfer was held up as Benjani didn't arrive at City's training ground until 11.10pm.

Defoe's move went through - and he wasn't the only one leaving Spurs last night. Also going - on loan deals - are defenders Anthony Gardner and Paul Stalteri, who have joined Everton and Fulham for the rest of the season respectively.

There were also reports that midfielder Teemu Tainio was on the verge of a £4.5m move to Birmingham only for it to fall through late on.

But Spurs did finally complete the £2m deal for Hertha Berlin left back Gilberto.