Portsmouth sign Ben-Haim from Manchester City

Tal Ben-Haim fell down the pecking order at City (GETTY IMAGES)

Portsmouth have swooped for Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim, subject to a work permit.

The 27-year-old Israel centre-back arrives at Fratton Park with a point to prove following disappointing spells at Chelsea and City.

A successful three-year stint at Bolton attracted the attention of the Blues in 2007 but he lasted just one year in west London before leaving for Eastlands.

Ben-Haim made only 15 appearances for Mark Hughes' side before being farmed out on loan to Sunderland in February.

Portsmouth are rooted to the foot of the Barclays Premier League following four successive defeats, but Ben-Haim is determined to help them climb the table.

"I'm very happy to be here at Pompey," he told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

"It's a big challenge because after four games we have no points, but I'm ready for the challenge.

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

"We've brought a few players in now and I believe that we can turn things around and win some games.

"I've watched a few of the games and we've been unlucky to get beaten in all of them. That's why I'm confident that we can improve quickly.

"I've come here to give 100% in each game and no less. I'm sure that's the same for all the lads.

"I'm sure that every player who goes on the pitch will play with his heart which is the most important thing for the fans."

Earlier today, Portsmouth captured 25-year old midfielder Hassan Yebda on a season-long loan from Benfica.

Yebda joined Benfica from Le Mans last summer and established himself as a regular squad member under Quique Sanchez Flores last term.

The 25-year-old former France youth international has a contract with the Lisbon club until 2012.