Ben Haim and Yebda join Portsmouth

Portsmouth made a double swoop for Manchester City defender Tal Ben Haim and Benfica midfielder Hassan Yebda on Tuesday.

Israel international Ben Haim has agreed a four-year contract and his free transfer will be rubber-stamped once he has been given a work permit.

The 27-year-old, who made just nine starts for City following his switch from Chelsea last year, could make his debut against Bolton – another of his former clubs – on September 12.

Ben Haim joins a team who are bottom of the Premier League after four successive defeats but he is determined to help them climb out of the relegation zone.

“It is a big challenge because after four games we have no points but I am ready for the challenge,” Ben Haim told Portsmouth’s website.

“I want to help Pompey get some good results and take them to the position they belong in.

“We’ve bought a few players in now and I believe we can turn things around and win some games.”

Pompey boss Paul Hart also landed Yebda from Portuguese club Benfica.

The 25-year-old French-born Algerian has moved to Fratton Park on a season-long loan.

He began his career with Auxerre and has also had spells at Laval and Le Mans.