Reading swoop for Czech Matejovsky

READING, England -- Reading have agreed to sign Czech Republic midfielder Marek Matejovsky from Mlada Boleslav for a reported $2.8 million fee on a three-and-a-half year contract.

"My old dream has come true," said the 26-year-old playmaker who has made six appearances for the Czechs, scoring in October's 3-0 win against Germany in Munich that helped them top their European 2008 qualifying group.

"I am really happy, I am going to the best league in the world. Now it is important I play well on the pitch."

Reading director of football Nicky Hammond said on the club's official Web site: "Marek is primarily a central midfield player but he is also capable of playing in both wide positions or behind the strikers.

"He has been playing for a smaller club in the Czech league but he is an established international who is likely to be included in the very strong Czech Republic squad in the Euro 2008 finals.

"He is a player we have been following for some time, and when the opportunity arose to sign him it was too good to turn down."

Portsmouth made their first signing of the transfer window after snapping up Swiss striker Danijel Subotic from Basle.

Pompey will pay an undisclosed compensation fee for the 18-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Fratton Park.

Manager Harry Redknapp is facing up to the prospect of being without a host of stars during the African Nations Cup.

He said on the club's official Web site: "He (Subotic) was recommended to us so we brought him over for a few days' training and he did well. We've taken a gamble on him and hopefully he's one for the future."

Hossam Ghaly appears ready to miss the African Nations Cup with Egypt to seal a loan move to Derby from Tottenham.

Ghaly has not played for Spurs since being substituted by former boss Martin Jol towards the end of last season and throwing his shirt away in anger.

The 26-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements under new head coach Juande Ramos and was granted permission to train with Egyptian club Al Ahly to build his fitness for the African Nations Cup.

But Samier Zaher, president of the Egyptian Football Association, told BBC Sport: "Ghaly told us that he will not be able to play in Ghana because he needs to secure his move to Derby.

"We understood his position, especially as it will be too late for him to find another club after the Nations Cup."

Ghaly wants to put himself in the shop window with a short-term move to Pride Park.

"We've contacted Tottenham and spoken to the player and he's keen to come but we might have to go to a work permit appeal," Derby boss Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.

"That might be 10 days or so before that happens." E-mail to a friend