Portsmouth are formalising a partnership with Belgium's Zulte Waregem.

The linkup will give boss Harry Redknapp first option on the first division side's best players, and allow Pompey's youngsters to gain top-flight experience in Europe.

Waregem chairman Willy Naessens said: "It's going to be a purely sporting collaboration, on both first team and youth levels.

"We don't need any financial input, and we want to keep our identity at all costs. The deal is a positive step.

"Ajax asked about linking up with us as well as Portsmouth. But they asked us to wait after their technical director left, and we were unable to do so."