Manchester City have finally completed the signing of Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari – five days after the January transfer window closed.

The 29-year-old joins City for a fee of £3.87m and has put pen to paper on a contract at the City of Manchester Stadium until 2010.

City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told his club”s official website: “I would like to thank Portsmouth Football Club, the Premier League and the Football Association for their help, understanding and assistance in enabling this transfer to be completed to the satisfaction of all concerned.

“In particular I would like to thank Peter Storrie of Portsmouth and Sir David Richards of the Premier League for their hard work and pragmatism.”

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson added: “I am delighted that we have signed such a quality player, and I am looking forward to working with him straight away.”

Newcastle United have swooped to sign ‘keeper Ole Soderberg from Hacken and striker Fabio Zamblera from Atalanta.

The 17-year-olds have put pen to paper on two-year deals at St. James’ Park.

Swede Soderberg told his new club’s official website: “I am really looking forward to signing for Newcastle and the challenge that lies ahead.

“There are lots of great players at this club and I hope that I can learn from the likes of Shay Given.”

Italian Zamblera added: “Newcastle is a very big club and it has a very impressive stadium.

“There are lots of very good strikers at this club and I know there are famous names such as Michael Owen and Mark Viduka.

“I can also remember Oba Martins and Emre from when they played in Italy.”

Manchester City’s attempt to sign Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari has fallen through.

City spokesman Paul Tyrrell told his club’s official website: “Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester we were unable to complete the transfer.”

Portsmouth have finally confirmed that they have signed Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe.

The 25-year-old England international, who has signed a long-term contract, joins Pompey for an undisclosed fee.

Defoe told his new club’s official website: “I can’t wait to get my boots on and get out there. I’m happy.

“I’m looking forward to playing football and scoring some goals. I want to score as many goals for Portsmouth as possible.”