Pompey pounce for Zambian ace

Portsmouth have beaten Bolton to the signing of Zambia international striker Collins Mbesuma on a three-year deal – subject to a work permit.

Mbesuma is rated as one of the hottest properties in African football, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Aston Villa among other clubs linked to the 21-year-old.

Mbesuma was close to joining Bolton – but boss Sam Allardyce wanted a few days to look at the Zambian, who last season scored 35 goals for South African champions Kaizer Chiefs.

The player’s agent, Mike Makab, told Portsmouth’s official website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk: “There were no hard feelings with Bolton and the manager was great – but they just wanted to look at Collins for a three or four days.

“There was enough interest from other clubs for Collins however and what with his record and the DVDs that they had there was enough of his talent on show to simply do a deal.

“I think Pompey’s gain will be a few other clubs’ loss.”

The striker is currently in the country on a visa and goes back to Zambia tomorrow, although the club hope he will be back with them early next week.

When he is back, Pompey will apply for the work permit and if that is granted the player will be applying for permission for his family to come to England.