The on-off Tim Sherwood transfer saga ended today with the former England midfielder signing for Pompey in a four-month deal to the end of the season.

Pompey had fought off a fierce rival bid from West Brom manager Gary Megson, who was desperate to bring in the Tottenham 34-year-old to aid his Premiership strugglers' relegation battle.

Sherwood finally settled the remaining five months of his Spurs contract this week and, after a medical, agreed personal terms with Pompey, who will pay the North London club £200,000 at the end of the season if they are promoted.

Sherwood had been out of favour at White Hart Lane, barely featuring in Glenn Hoddle's squad this season, and, according to his agent Eric Hall, had been considering legal action because of his treatment at the club and alleged comments made about him.

Hoddle had been keen to get the disaffected player, who cost Spurs £4 million in February 1999, off the Spurs wage bill.

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his admiration for the former Blackburn skipper, and has been trailing the player all season.

But the deal had been left in limbo for some weeks as Sherwood and Spurs struggled to agree a basis for the severance of his contract.

Now Sherwood is finally signed on and ready to resume playing.