"I have decided, I am leaving," Kranjcar told the Sportske Novosti daily on Thursday.

Portsmouth's website confirmed the deal with a statement that said: "Pompey have signed 22-year-old Croatian star Niko Kranjcar from Hajduk Split.

"Niko will wear the number 19 shirt vacated by Collins Mbesuma following the striker's loan move to Maritimo."

Kranjcar began his career at Dinamo Zagreb in 2001 and only a year later, while still a teenager, was named club captain. In 2005 he moved to Hajduk Split.

The 22-year-old is the son of Zlatko Kranjcar who was sacked as Croatia coach after they failed to make it out of the first round at the World Cup.

Later Thursday, Portsmouth completed another deadline day signing by snapping up forward Roudolphe Mbela Douala on a season-long loan from Sporting Lisbon.

The acquisition of Douala, 27, follows deals earlier in the day for former England striker Andy Cole and Kranjcar.

Although the deal for Douala is initially temporary, Portsmouth have secured an option to sign him on a permanent deal. Douala is capable of playing wide or as a striker and has won 13 caps for Cameroon.