Defoe excited by Pompey switch

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The England striker's switch was left in the balance as the clock ticked towards midnight, but Pompey boss Harry Redknapp got his man and also kept hold of Benjani Mwaruwari after Manchester City failed to beat the deadline to secure his services.

"I can't wait. I just want to get my boots on," said Defoe. "At the end of the day I haven't been playing football; I hope I can play football here. I just want to score goals."

Redknapp added: "He will be a great signing for us. He needs to play.

"Jermain is a top player. He's too good not to play, and I think he's a fantastic goalscorer. It will be great to have him here."

Defoe's transfer was confirmed with minutes to spare, in anticipation of Benjani's departure for City - something which never happened, because the paperwork could not be completed before the deadline.

Benjani flew to Manchester on Thursday night in a frantic attempt to complete a medical and agree terms but will now stay on the south coast.

While City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson missed out on Benjani he did manage to sign 19-year-old Ecuador striker Felipe Caicedo in a £5million switch from FC Basle - while midfielder Ousmane Dabo left for Lazio.