Benjani deal off

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Despite the apparent belief of Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp that Benjani was leaving Fratton Park following England forward Jermain Defoe's arrival from Tottenham, City report that time simply ran out.

Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell told his club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester, we were unable to complete the transfer."

City did manage to beat the midnight deadline to sign Felipe Caicedo from FC Basel.

But their hopes of adding 29-year-old Zimbabwean Benjani to their squad foundered on the strict rules of registering new players on time.

Nineteen-year-old Ecuador international Caicedo is thought to have moved to Eastlands in a deal worth around £5million, although no fee has been disclosed.

Caicedo featured for his country in last summer's Copa America and has two goals in 15 international appearances.

His four goals in 12 matches for Basel, managed by former Tottenham boss Christian Gross, have helped fire them to the top of the Swiss league.

There was plenty of interest from clubs in Spain and Italy for Caicedo, but his agent revealed that a deal was imminent after a work permit was obtained.

Saif Rubie said: "He's just agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Manchester City - he's over the moon and can't wait to get over here."