Nugent buys into Harry's Euro dream

Sunderland had been early favourites to capture the 22-year-old, who once dreamed of playing for his boyhood idols Everton.

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In the end, however, the same persuasive Redknapp talent that lured David James and Sol Campbell to Fratton Park last year convinced one of English football's most exciting young strikers — 15 Championship goals last season for Preston — to follow their route to the South Coast. But on a day when Redknapp also shelled out £7m to Rennes for Nigeria striker John Utaka, it became clear that Nugent will have to battle for his place as the manager has still not given up hope that Utaka's Nigeria captain Kanu will sign a new one-year deal.

Having taken his summer spending to close on £22m, Redknapp still wants to lay out more of Alexandre Gaydamak's money on another front man, although it will probably be a winger.

Nugent, who scored on his debut as an England substitute against Andorra in March, has no doubts he can make an impact on the Premier League and that he has chosen the right club.

"I spoke to Sunderland manager Roy Keane and I spoke to Harry," said Nugent. "Harry really impressed, which is why I've joined Portsmouth.

"It's just the players he has here. He's brought in a lot of experienced players and exciting ones as well. I looked at the Sunderland squad but it hadn't the same depth, while I could hang around for ever hoping that Everton would be interested.

"I can achieve a lot with Portsmouth in the Premiership. It's where I want to be in my career and they could get into Europe.

"I know I'm not proven yet at Premiership level, but I'm very confident in my own ability. I can't wait to get started.

"It's going to be great as a striker working for a manager who likes to attack, but it looks like we will have a very solid defence as well."

Redknapp described the signing of a young potential England striker on a four-year contract as "good business".

He added: "People who can put the ball in the net are a rare commodity and that's why I was interested in David, but he's more than that."

The capture of Nugent and 25-year-old Utaka has taken Redknapp's total summer signing count to seven and he was full of praise for the Nigerian, who was also a target for Manchester City.

Redknapp said: "I've been interested in John for some time. He's very quick, skilful and strong. And, of course, he can score goals."

Nugent's move will pay off Bury's mortgage on Gigg Lane. The striker left them for Preston in a £100,000 deal in January 2005, with a sell-on clause entitling them to 20 per cent of any profit.