Benjani Mwaruwari signs for Pompey

BBC Radio Solent reported that Pompey have agreed a £4.1m deal with French side Auxerre for the 27-year-old, subject to him passing a medical.

Manager Harry Redknapp revealed earlier this week that he was interested in signing the striker.

Earlier this week Mwaruwari was named in Zimbabwe's squad for the African Nations Cup later this month.

Redknapp told BBC Radio Solent: "He's quick and strong, can play and join in with other people.

"I spoke to Arsene Wenger about him last week. He told me if you can get him, get the next plane over there and bring him back."

The forward has found life difficult at Auxerre since Jacques Santini replaced Guy Roux as coach in June 2005 and said he would prefer to join Portsmouth rather than French side Marseilles.

"Portsmouth would be best for me because I speak English but I am still struggling with my French," he said earlier this week.

Mwaruwari has scored 19 goals in 72 league games for Auxerre and was a hero in their 2005 French Cup triumph, scoring in the 2-1 defeat of Sedan in the final.