Portsmouth have signed Patrik Berger following the Czech international's departure from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old, whose contract had expired at Anfield, had been linked with a switch across the Pennines to Leeds but Pompey manager Harry Redknapp has moved in quickly to strengthen his squad as they prepare for Barclaycard Premiership football.

Redknapp confirmed last night that the Nationwide Division 1 champions had completed their first foray into the transfer market since the end of the season, with Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland also close to making the move to Fratton Park.

Redknapp was delighted with the capture of Berger as he told Sky Sports News: "Patrik's a quality player, free - and the type of player who'll bring good experience to Portsmouth.

"I had a bit of competition for him but he's looked round the area today and is very happy to join us.

"I think he spoke with Leeds and another couple of clubs were interested - so they tell me.''

The Pompey boss revealed that his son Jamie, now at Tottenham but a teammate of Berger's at Anfield, played a part in the deal.

He continued: "I had a lot of help from Jamie, who's played alongside him, but to be fair Patrik's not been difficult to deal with.

"He got offered another contract at Liverpool and has taken a massive cut in wages to come here - but he wants to come here and play.

"I've convinced him he can play a big part in helping us maintain our Premiership status next year and he'll be delighted if he can do that.''

Berger, who moved to Anfield from Borussia Dortmund in September 1996, played more than 100 league games for the Reds but had suffered from injuries in recent seasons.

Redknapp continued on Sky Sports News: "He's played at the top level - and you don't play for Liverpool as long as he has if you're not a good player.

"We're waiting to finalise the Holland deal - it's nearly all done - and I'll be pleased to get him and Patrik, who are two good international players and they'll be good players for Portsmouth.''

However, that will not represent the extent of his spending as he continued: "We've got a small squad here and we still need a bit of quality.

"I'm not looking to spend big money - but there are players out there on Bosmans and free transfers who have played at the top level and they are the sort of players we need to get in and do a job for us.

"I've got a centre-half I'm hoping to sign this week who I think will be absolutely fantastic for us - a proper player, a top drawer player.

"Vincent Pericard came on loan from Juventus and we're hoping to either take him on loan again or do something permanent - I think there's a deal to be done somewhere with him.

"I've not had a minute's break since the season finished, but I said I would not go away until I get the players in. It's been a good week so far and hopefully next week we can push on.

"I'm hopeful we can pull off another miracle next year and stay up. We need a squad to carry us through and the lads I'm bringing in will give competition for places.''