Pompey have won the race to sign Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan, the revelation of the Cup of Africa Nations earlier this year, fending off interest from Lens and Chelsea.

Currently playing in Norway where his club IK Start have loaned him to Staebak, the player is thought to be close to completing a move to Fratton for less than 1 million euros in the summer according to reports in France.

He was scouted by plenty of clubs in the CAN and Michael Essien recommended him to Chelsea, while Lens also made enquiries. At five feet nine, he is compared in style to Claude Makalele and his national coach Claude Le Roy reckons he can go all the way after some impressive performances for the national side.

'With his potential he can play anywhere. In quality terms he has everything to play in his position. In terms of his tactical ability and reading of the game he is similar to Claude Makalele,' he said, reported on the footmercato.com website.

Annan (21) has played ten times for the Black Stars and Pompey decided to make their move after having the player watched again last week.