The size of the transfer fee has still yet to be revealed, but it is possible that it will break Portsmouth's transfer feee record. The Senegal star also had interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and clubs overseas.
It was rumoured that Harry Redknapp was willing to shell out on Cameroon star Marc-Vivian Foe before fate played its cruel hand in June, but now Portsmouth will have an African International in its midfield come the start of the season.
Meanwhile, former Pompey midfielder Marcus Heikennen has inked a deal with Aberdeen, and is expected to make his debut in midweek, while Jason Crowe may have found a new home, as Grimsby Town, who were in the same league as Pompey last season but finished rock bottom, are keen to sign the former Blue, who hit a winning goal against Middlesborough in a midweek friendly for the Mariners.
Don't expect any Christmas cards from Teeside this year.