Younes Kaboul has joined Portsmouth from Tottenham and mocked the link-ups with Sunderland and Aston Villa as 'paper talk'.

The French defender has signed a four-year deal with Pompey as he aims to play regular football for Harry Redknapp’s side after falling out of favour at the White Hart Lane since Junade Ramos took charge of Spurs in October.

The 22-year-old told the club's official website: "It wasn't a difficult choice to make coming here.

"Everyone in the papers was saying I was going to Sunderland or Aston Villa but I wanted to come here straight away.

"As soon as I knew they were interested I said: 'I want to come to Pompey'.

"I came here because the manager has wanted me for two years. I met him two years ago when I was at Auxerre and I like the man because he gives you confidence.

"It's a good opportunity for me because the club has a lot of ambition.

"I think Pompey are a top-five Premier League side and I believe I can achieve what I want to achieve at this club. Hopefully we can get off to a good start.

"I enjoyed my year at Tottenham and it taught me many things. I'm still young and I made progress but now I hope to make more progress here."

He added: "The players at the club have everything needed to do well this year. Players like Defoe, Distin and Campbell make up a really good side.

"I played with Defoe at Spurs and it's good to meet up with him again. He always talked to me at Tottenham and helped me to adapt. He told me Portsmouth is a good club to play for.

"There are experienced players like Sol and Sylvain who I can watch and learn from. It can only help me to play alongside them.

"It does mean that there is a lot of competition for places but that's good - it keeps everyone focused.

"Also, I can play in midfield or at the back - I don't mind really. The important thing is that I'm here and ready to play. I really want to do a good job here."