Chelsea ace Michael Essien has backed Ghana teammate Sulley Muntari to be a big success at Portsmouth.

Muntari is poised to seal his club-record £7m switch to Fratton Park from Udinese once he passes a medical today.

Essien told the Portsmouth News: "Sulley's a very good player. He has everything to become one of the biggest players in the world.

"If the deal goes through, it will be a fantastic signing for Portsmouth.

"He's very strong, with an excellent left foot - and he can really shoot. He has a lot of qualities.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed he joins Portsmouth because I really want him to join me in the Premiership.

"I'm really looking forward to playing against him when Chelsea play Portsmouth."