Trialist Bongani Khumalo could join the Blues on loan this week, according to reports in the South African media. The 26-year-old Tottenham central defender spent last week training at Playford Road and played in the friendly at Crawley.

The South African international subsequently took part in a behind-closed-doors training game with Town on Friday before returning to Spurs. However, Khumalo is reportedly hopeful that a loan switch could be confirmed this week.

Khumalo played for Arcadia Shepherds, University of Pretoria and Supersport United in his home country before joining Tottenham in January 2011 for £1.7 million, signing a deal until the summer of 2015.

However, he has failed to make a senior appearance for the North Londoners and has since been sent on loan to Preston, Reading and Greek side PAOK, where he spent last season.

The Swaziland-born 6ft 2in tall defender has won 34 international caps and has scored one goal, which came in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over France at the 2010 World Cup they hosted. He has captained his national side and was their skipper at the African Nations Cup earlier this year but has not been in a squad since then.

Town are very much in need of centre-halves with Luke Chambers and Tommy Smith currently the only senior central defenders in Mick McCarthy's squad.

Former Southampton man Dan Seaborne has also been in trial with the Blues and played in the friendlies at Shelbourne and Crawley.

Photo: Action Images

TractorBeezer added 16:02 - Jul 15 Spurs do not have a reserve tea.m so typically they loan out their promising players who aren't in the first team e,g, Dos Santos, Townsend and Livermore. I'm ok with 2-3 loanees so long as we aren't significantly dependent on them. Mick is building steadily on a timely basis instead of making excuses. Great to see.
0

TractorBeezer added 16:06 - Jul 15 Spurs do not have a reserve team and typically loan out promising players that are not in the first team e.g. dos Santos, Livermore and Townsend. I'm ok with 2-3 loanees so long as we are not significantly dependent on them. And if we like them and they like us they may stay. Instead of making excuses, Mick is building steadliy...great to see!
0

LankHenners added 16:20 - Jul 15 Looks (and sounds from other comments) that he has a big jump. Agree with jas0999 about signings but a season long loan is a lot better than a short term loan. Considering there is no recall clause, that is.
0

HARRY10 added 16:37 - Jul 15 "If Spurs paid nearly £2m for him then he can't be no mug" yes, it's unlike Harry Redknapp to sign a player so that a few favoured agents, dogs in Monaco etc could make a few bob, is it ?
0

tcannITFC added 19:20 - Jul 15 If he is the captain of his nation then he must be a very decent player, and getting him in on loan is definitely a good idea. From what I've heard he is definitely worth signing!
0

suffolkpunchdrunk added 19:48 - Jul 15 South Africa are still in with a chance of making the World Cup Finals in Brazil next year. There is one game left for South Africa to play against Botswana on 6th September which they need to win to stand a chance of qualifying (I think that Ethiopia also have to lose their game on the same day against Central African Republic). In short I am sure that BK will want to play at that qualifier and go on to the World Cup Finals in Brazil next year. A player of his undoubted ability will demand game time to prepare for the World Cup so I cannot see him as a bench warmer and I think he will demand assurances that he will not be treated as such.

0

Liastro added 20:14 - Jul 15 Solid player, but I would much rather sign Jan Vertonghen, his Tottenham counterpart.
0

runningout added 20:21 - Jul 15 Not sure how his previous loans went at Preston, PAOK and Reading.. Tabb may have put a good word in for him.. so if it doesnt work out, it's Tabb's fault :-)
0

Langdon_Blue added 21:00 - Jul 15 Khumalo, my lord Khumalo. Khumalo, my lord Khumalo. Khumalo, my lord Khumalo, ohhh lord Khumalo.
0

Tractastic added 22:05 - Jul 15 Sounds like a promising loan and in a tough 'rough and tumble' championship his physical presence could work well. However I hope this doesn't mean that any deal for Stearman is unlikely?
0

manualthetisfanclub added 22:20 - Jul 15 Another sonko I'm afraid! He could jump high,but he was bloody awful on the deck! I hate loans! Anyway still think stearman may still come in late window!
0

davidsc1971 added 22:40 - Jul 15 My mate's a Spurs fan and he used the word 'shocking' today in a casual discussion. Shocking by elevated Premier League standards no doubt and let's be honest a big leap may help cut out the route 1 merchants in the Championship. We've got to trust Mick if he sees something there - and his judgement is spot on in my book. COYB!
0

NorthstaNder added 23:59 - Jul 15 Could have picked a slightly less mongy photo!
0

Stato added 08:13 - Jul 16 @davidsc1971 he may well turn out to be 'shocking' but on the basis he never made one single senior appearance for Spurs I wouldn't take too much notice of what your mate says
0

itfcserbia added 08:42 - Jul 16 What is with comments on Tommy/Chambo subbing and promising game time etc. Not one self respecting manager will promise to any player such thing as 1st team place or similar. And I reckon Mick sees himself with quite some respect. Beside, South Africa hasn't got a bad squad of players and being a captain of the national team surely weighs something. Would still prefer Berra on a permanent deal though.

0

TimmyH added 19:44 - Jul 16 I wouldn't break up the Chambers/Smith pairing, if it ain't broke then leave it alone - the question is he willing to be back-up at a Championship team?
0

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls