Pompey complete duo signing for Nugent and Utaka

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has bolstered his attack by signing David Nugent and John Utaka on four-year contracts for undisclosed fees.

Nugent, rumoured to have cost £6million, had been tipped to leave Preston after they failed to win promotion to the Premier League last season and was linked with a move to Sunderland and Everton before choosing Pompey.

Utaka has been signed from French club Rennes and the Nigeria international can operate as a striker or a winger.

Redknapp said: 'He's quick, strong and skilful, a real handful. He's got pace and runs, he's versatile too.'

Nugent, 22, had delayed talks about his future until after the European Championships with England Under-21s, where he scored in a group match against Italy. He also scored on his senior debut last season.

'He's scored goals in the Championship and right through his career,' Redknapp added.

'I feel a natural goalscorer like him can score goals anywhere. I looked at him for a while and every time I liked what I saw.'

Preston boss Paul Simpson added: 'He wanted to make sure it was the right thing.

'I'm sure he was disappointed he lost out on the option of Sunderland but he's made his decision and I'm sure he's made the correct decision.

'It's up to him now to go out and show people that he can play at Premiership level.'

Redknapp is looking to improve on last season's top-half finish and he has already signed Sulley Muntari, Sylvain Distin, Hermann Hreidarsson, Martin Cranie and Arnold Mvuemba.

Source: Soccernet.com