This is strange news because it was originally reported that Ben-Haim had a relegation release clause in his contract and therefore wasn't a Pompey player anymore, but it seems like that was not the case.
It's not known what percentage of the Israeli's wages that the Hammers will pay, but given the massive salary that such an average defender was earning at Pompey, it will at least save the club a significant sum of money for the rest of the year, even if we aren't going to receive a fee for him yet.
The other downside to this agreement is that he is still on our books, therefore it's my belief that he will take up one of the 20 spaces available in our Championship squad should we remain in administration.
I've never quite understood what Avram Grant saw in Tal other than the fact they share the same nationality. He'd have been good in the Championship but he made too many mistakes last season and I expect he will be blamed by the Hammers fans for a fair few goals that they concede this season.