Portsmouth Capture De Laet On Loan

Portsmouth have signed Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old Belgium international has already had spells with Sheffield United and Preston this season.

Pompey boss Steve Cotterill told the club website: "We're very pleased to have Ritchie on loan.

"He's a very flexible defender who can play across the back four. The defence was an area we needed to strengthen, so I'm delighted."

De Laet, who joined United from Stoke City on a performance-related deal in January 2009, has made six first-team appearances for the Red Devils.