South African international defender Bongani Khumalo could join the Town squad before the end of the week with the Blues and Tottenham having started talks regarding a season-long loan. The 26-year-old has impressed boss Mick McCarthy in the friendlies at Crawley and Gillingham.
Glyn Binkin, one of the player’s representatives, told South African website KickOff.com that negotiations are underway: "Ipswich have indicated that they want to take Bongani on loan and have entered into discussions with Spurs, so we anticipate some sort of direction in the next 24-48 hours.
"They’re talking about an initial loan for a year. Bongani has two years to go on his contract, so we will have to see what happens after that.”
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 four-and-a-half-year deal.
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 6ft 2in tall defender has won 34 caps and has scored one international goal, which came in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over France at the 2010 World Cup they hosted.
He captained his national side at the African Nations Cup earlier this year but has not been named in a squad since then.