Ivory Coast midfielder Lassina Diabate has signed for English First Divison side Portsmouth.

Diabate had been out of contract at French club Auxerre and arrives at Fratton Park on a free-transfer as Harry Redknapp's 12th signing of the season.

Redknapp agreed a one year deal with the former Bordeaux star who had been on trial with Blackburn Rovers of the Premiership.

Pompey beat off interest from Premiership clubs Blackburn, Charlton and Middlesbrough for the services of the 28-year-old who has Champions League experience.

Redknapp described Diabate as a "quality player who has played at the highest level."

Diabate's arrival hints that Redknapp's interest in Tottenham midfielder Tim Sherwood has cooled.

But the Pompey boss is still keen to pursue his interest in Derby striker, and former Italian international, Fabrizio Ravanelli.