Portsmouth ready to tie up Gambia starlet

Gambian teenager Omar Krumah is set to sign for FA Cup winners Portsmouth after impressing manager Harry Redknapp during a trial.

Krumah, nicknamed 'OJ', has spent the last two weeks training with the Premier League club and a series of dazzling displays in pre-season friendlies convinced Redknapp to offer the striker a permanent deal.

“OJ has done well, he's only 18 and I think he's a real prospect,” Redknapp said. “We're hoping to now get something done and keep him here permanently because I like him.

“He was at Southampton last year, they wanted him but could not get a work permit but he's married now so that's no longer a problem.

“The lad was recommended to me so we had him over for the last couple of weeks and he's been tremendous.

“He's quick and has got a lot of everything. The kid wants to do well, he's willing to learn and hopefully he can do well here.”

Krumah is likely to be loaned out to a English Championship team this season as Redknapp wants the 18-year-old to get more first-team experience.

“I have already had half a dozen clubs wanting to play him this season, most of them are from the Championship,” Redknapp said.

“He's not ready for the Premier League but he's still young so his time can come.”