Transfer news: Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop last night became Portsmouth's second signing of a transfer deadline day which failed to deliver the excitement of previous seasons.

Having already signed spent .9 million to sign Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson on a four-year contract earlier in the day, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp signed the Senegal international on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Johnson, who spent last season on loan at Fratton Park, said: "It's a fantastic move for me. It was an easy decision to make. It feels like I've never been away."

Pompey midfielder Gary O'Neil had been expected to join Middlesbrough but a late complication delayed the move.

One player who had already departed Fratton Park was Dejan Stefanovic, who joined Fulham for million on a two-year deal, subject to a work permit.

Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez said: "Dejan is a formidable defender with vast experience at both domestic and international levels.

"He reads the game well, is brave and knows the pace and strength of the Premiership, so I have no doubt that he will prove to be an asset for us over the coming months."

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was at least able to complete the signing of Mohamed Shawky from Egyptian side Al-Ahly for €1 million on a three-year deal, while releasing the experienced Jason Euell to make a free transfer to Southampton.

Elsewhere, the busiest managers could be found in the midlands with Aston Villa, Birmingham and Derby all making moves with the midnight deadline fast approaching.

Martin O'Neill's pursuit of defender Curtis Davies finally came to a successful conclusion in what could be a potential club-record deal. The West Brom centre-half secured a season-long loan at Villa with a view to a permanent switch which would be worth an initial €1.2 million, possibly rising to million with add-ons.

"The manager's record speaks for itself. During his career he has turned people like Emile Heskey, Robbie Savage and Muzzy Izzet into great players and hopefully he can turn me into a gem as well," Davies said.

O'Neill, who also signed Zat Knight this week, then made Togo midfielder Moustapha Salifou his third buy during the last 48 hours, signing him from Swiss club FC Wil on a one-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Scotland striker Kenny Miller swapped Celtic Park for Pride Park after joining Derby for an undisclosed fee. Miller, 27, has signed a three-year contract.

Derby boss Billy Davies told www.dcfc.co.uk: "He is a proven goalscorer both at club and international level and gives us a different option up front."

Gordon Strachan insisted his disappointment at losing Kenny Miller to Derby is part and parcel of modern-day management.

Celtic signed Scott McDonald and Chris Killen earlier this summer and also have Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Maciej Zurawski and Derek Riordan as attacking options.

Ironically, Miller hit three goals in his two appearances for the Hoops this season before suffering a hamstring injury.

Strachan said: "He has been fantastic for us. Even when he was not at his best he was a great team-mate, good in the dressing room and he showed earlier in the season what a good player he is.

"Being a good greedy man I don't want any of my players to move on but sometimes we have to balance the books.

"Football and football management is all about disappointment, you just have to handle it.

"We have a good strike-force but as a manager you like to have as many good players as you possibly can.

"Sometimes that's not possible for reasons; the players need to play or the books have to be balanced.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce secured the services of free agent Mohammed Kallon as well as midfielder Wilson Palacios on loan from Honduran club Olimpia until the end of December.

The club looked set to make another midfielder, Borja Oubina, their third capture of the day after Celta Vigo announced the player was leaving on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Manager Steve Bruce told PA Sport: "We are in talks with the player and we are going to try to sign him tonight." Manchester City striker Bernardo Corradi joined Parma on loan until the end of the season after failing to feature in any Sven-Goran Eriksson's squads so far this season.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings made his ninth signing of the summer by bringing striker Marcus Bent in on loan from Charlton. Bent's arrival has allowed Wigan to sell Caleb Folan to Hull for club record of €1.5 million, with the 23-year-old signing a three-year contract.

Liverpool have added 19-year-old Lyon midfielder Damien Plessi to their reserve team squad, while Blackburn have allowed striker Paul Gallagher to go to Preston on loan until January.

Paul Huntington swapped Newcastle for Leeds for an undisclosed fee while Swansea captured Middlesbrough goalkeeper David Knight on a free transfer.

Rangers signed 30-year-old Charlton midfielder Amdy Faye on a season-long loan.