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.

Photo: Action Images

ipswichtillidie added 20:27 - Jul 17 Appears to be a loan with a view to a deal in the future maybe... Surplus to requirements at the lane. Could be a great signing for us...
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oscarwhiting added 20:29 - Jul 17 Sounds good, haven't seen any of our games yet but from the twtd reports he's been playing well. Be in resting if we got Vaseli and bramble aswell.
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essextractorboy93 added 20:31 - Jul 17 Khumalo would provide good competition for places at the back. Hope we get him. COYB!
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jas0999 added 20:37 - Jul 17 Great news. Would be an excellent signing.
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RegencyBlue added 20:41 - Jul 17 Spurs must have really rated him to give him a four and a half year contract.
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Mark added 20:50 - Jul 17 It sounds a very sensible loan signing, hopefully with a view to a permanent move. If McCarthy wants him, let's hope the deal gets done.
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riley26 added 20:50 - Jul 17 Looks the part, sounds like he has impressed, could be a very astute signing. Sounds like we are looking at Veselli and one other United youth CB too, all interesting prospects.
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RetroBlue added 20:54 - Jul 17 ......He's ours .
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Lennyboy added 21:03 - Jul 17 Things are certainly taking shape particularly that we seem to have our central defender back up about to sign, whats happening about young Doherty Phil?
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Michael11 added 21:05 - Jul 17 Good stuff. The squad's starting to shape up nicely. Would still absolutely love us to poach Stearman though.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 21:14 - Jul 17 sent on loan to Preston, Reading and Greek side PAOK,anyone know how he fared at these clubs?
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ChrisMakin2012 added 21:22 - Jul 17 If we sign him we won't sign bramble which is a win win situation.
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suffolkpunchdrunk added 21:33 - Jul 17 ShropshireBlue - From KickOff.Com June 2013 - 'While Bafana Bafana battle a defensive crisis ahead of their 2014 World Cup qualifiers against CAR and Ethiopia this month, Bongani Khumalo helped his Greek side PAOK qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. Khumalo was axed from the national side after the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and has not been seen since, despite a spate of injuries that has threatened to derail South Africa's chances of reaching the World Cup. Khumalo helped PAOK come from behind for a 2-1 win at PAS Giannina that saw them finish top of the four-team playoff pool and win their place in Europe's elite competition. The 26-year-old has his critics, but he has enjoyed a solid season with one of the top teams in Greece.'

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cooper4england added 21:36 - Jul 17 How about we sign all three of the defenders currently on trial then Smith gets sold to Palace for 2.5 million. Pays for some of Bramble's wages and more money for a creative midfielde or Stearman. You heard it here first!
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Tractorog added 21:37 - Jul 17 Can we sign the Swiss guy too please?
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cooper4england added 21:51 - Jul 17 Actually changed my mind. Cresswell isn't injured and is on the verge of going. Suddenly we have the money to pay the wages of two premiership players. Even bongani's wages on loan are not going to be cheap certainly more than the 5k a week we are rumoured to be paying. Bramble signing is waiting on Cresswell going. Happy to receive negative marks as its a forum for discussion. ..... / gossip!

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Mick added 22:03 - Jul 17 Sign him up. Why no mention to his other SA clubs? Pretoria Casual White Socks, Bilge & Parliamentary Steel Workers Wednesday and Silvertown Suit Stains AFC.
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Lightningboy added 22:17 - Jul 17 Fine,we need more strength in depth,just hope MM isn't going to potch about with the Chambers/Smith partnership for the sake of it..they looked the most solid duo we've had at the back for years last season (when Mick took over).
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planetblue_2011 added 22:32 - Jul 17 Be great if we sign him it will give good competition for chambo and smith. Hopefully make them play even better as a pair as they were last season. Just a right back to add and we should be sorted!! Almost!
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floridaboy added 06:51 - Jul 18 Not Bramble please, neither him or the South African would come here to sit on the bench and I am more than happy with the Chambers and Smith partnership Definitely sign up Veseli. Very versatile young player who by al accounts wants t come here
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JewellintheTown added 10:56 - Jul 18 Phil, are there any better photos of him than this one which makes him look like he's chewing on a condom?
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