Tottenham sign Bongani Khumalo
Tottenham will add to their defence in January with the acquisition of South Africa defender Bongani Khumalo.
The 23 year-old, who plays for SuperSport United in his native country, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Tottenham and, subject to a work permit being granted, will arrive in the New Year.
It is understood the fee for the central defender is £1.5 million.
Khumalo had a trial with Spurs earlier this season and impressed manager Harry Redknapp who said: 'He's not expensive and we had him over on trial and we like him.
'He's got potential and we've got a tie-up with the club SuperSport so we've taken him on.
'It will be a great chance for the kid. He's a great lad. He comes from a poor background and he's desperate for a chance, and we're going to give him a chance.'
Khumalo was born in Swaziland, but grew up in Pretoria, and featured in all three of South Africa's World Cup matches, scoring in the 2-1 victory over France.
After the World Cup, Khumalo, who has seven brothers and seven sisters, said: 'I have always wanted to play in England and obviously in the Premier League, and it would be a dream to move to Tottenham.
'Playing in the Champions League would be another dream.
'I think the Champions League is the closest level to the World Cup in terms of quality and the play, so it would be great to make the move.'
Redknapp’s back line has been plagued with problems this season to the extent that he has been forced to field 11 different centre-back partnerships.
Michael Dawson has been missing since August with a knee problem while Jonathan Woodgate’s future remains in doubt, though he has recently shown some promising signs after receiving an injection in his troubled groin.
Ledley King’s ability to compete on a regular basis remains in doubt . The defender recently tore a groin muscle and is currently out."
Tottenham sign Bongani Khumalo - Telegraph
Well, not a major signing ... but instead a prospect who may come good. I look forward to seeing him play for Spurs.
Tottenham will add to their defence in January with the acquisition of South Africa defender Bongani Khumalo.
The 23 year-old, who plays for SuperSport United in his native country, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Tottenham and, subject to a work permit being granted, will arrive in the New Year.
It is understood the fee for the central defender is £1.5 million.
Khumalo had a trial with Spurs earlier this season and impressed manager Harry Redknapp who said: 'He's not expensive and we had him over on trial and we like him.
'He's got potential and we've got a tie-up with the club SuperSport so we've taken him on.
'It will be a great chance for the kid. He's a great lad. He comes from a poor background and he's desperate for a chance, and we're going to give him a chance.'
Khumalo was born in Swaziland, but grew up in Pretoria, and featured in all three of South Africa's World Cup matches, scoring in the 2-1 victory over France.
After the World Cup, Khumalo, who has seven brothers and seven sisters, said: 'I have always wanted to play in England and obviously in the Premier League, and it would be a dream to move to Tottenham.
'Playing in the Champions League would be another dream.
'I think the Champions League is the closest level to the World Cup in terms of quality and the play, so it would be great to make the move.'
Redknapp’s back line has been plagued with problems this season to the extent that he has been forced to field 11 different centre-back partnerships.
Michael Dawson has been missing since August with a knee problem while Jonathan Woodgate’s future remains in doubt, though he has recently shown some promising signs after receiving an injection in his troubled groin.
Ledley King’s ability to compete on a regular basis remains in doubt . The defender recently tore a groin muscle and is currently out."
Tottenham sign Bongani Khumalo - Telegraph
Well, not a major signing ... but instead a prospect who may come good. I look forward to seeing him play for Spurs.
