Portsmouth accept Rangers bid for Mendes, sign Thomas

AFP - 15 August 2008 12:40

Portsmouth Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes in action during a Premiership match against Everton at Fratton Park in Portsmouth, southern England, December 2007. Portsmouth have accepted a three million pounds (3.7 million euros) bid from Rangers for Mendes and signed Charlton winger Jerome Thomas on a season-long loan on Friday.

PORTSMOUTH (AFP) - Portsmouth accepted a three million pounds (3.7 million euros) bid from Rangers for Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes and signed Charlton winger Jerome Thomas on a season-long loan on Friday.

Mendes, 29, travelled to Glasgow on Friday to have a medical and discuss personal terms with the Scottish club, who are keen to make a big signing to appease their fans following the departure of Carlos Cuellar to Aston Villa earlier this week.

Former Arsenal trainee Thomas, 25, arrived at Fratton Park in time to feature in Sunday's Premier League opener at Chelsea.

Harry Redknapp swooped for Thomas after deciding his team needed a wide man with pace to complement new striker Peter Crouch.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's website: "Jerome's a young player that Harry has always liked. Harry has been looking to add a quick wide player, something that's important when you've got someone like Crouchy up front."