Source: Team_Talk
Tottenham agree deal for Khumalo
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has agreed a deal to sign Bongani Khumalo from SuperSport United in January, subject to a work permit.[LNB] The north London club have boosted their injury-ravaged defence for the second half of the season after announcing the signing of South Africa defender Khumalo.[LNB]The SuperSport United skipper will join Spurs when the transfer window opens in early 2011, subject to a work permit being granted, after both clubs reached a pre-contract agreement.[LNB]Tracked by Tottenham since impressing for his country when they hosted this summer's World Cup, Khumalo won over manager Harry Redknapp during a trial last month.[LNB]The 23-year-old's arrival cannot come quickly enough for a Spurs side who have only once this season been able to field the same defensive partnership in consecutive games.[LNB]Injuries have twice left them with only one recognised centre-half, forcing Redknapp to field players out of position.[LNB]Captain Ledley King's inability to train due to his notoriously fragile knees has seen him repeatedly aggravate a groin problem, Michael Dawson has been sidelined for almost two months with ligament damage, William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have each just returned from a month out injured, while Jonathan Woodgate is simply battling to save his career.[LNB]So while the reported £1.5million fee for Khumalo may have been spent on a player for the future, he could yet find himself called upon more than once between January and May.[LNB]Speaking after Khumalo's trial last month, Redknapp said: "He's not expensive. We had him over on trial and we like him.[LNB]"It will be a great chance for the kid. He's a great lad.[LNB]"He comes from a poor background and he's desperate for a chance and we're going to give him a chance."[LNB]Khumalo played in all three of South Africa's World Cup games, scoring in the 2-1 victory over France.[LNB]Rumours linking him with Spurs began shortly after the tournament, with the defender saying at the time: "I have always wanted to play in England and obviously in the Premier League and it would be a dream to move to Tottenham.[LNB]"Playing in the Champions League would be another dream.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Spurs took advantage of the long-term partnership established with SuperSport three years ago to bring Khumalo to White Hart Lane.[LNB]The South African club's chairman Khulu Sibiya today paid tribute to the defender, who will leave having helped them win a hat-trick of ABSA Premiership League titles during three and a half seasons there.[LNB]"Bongani has been an exceptional player for SuperSport United," Sibiya told the club's official website, www.sufc.co.za.[LNB]"His three and a half years at the club has seen him develop into one of the best footballers in the country and his contribution was a major factor in the club winning three consecutive ABSA Premiership League titles.[LNB]"Everyone at the club wishes him well in his future career at Tottenham Hotspur.[LNB]"We are equally proud of the fact that Bongani is joining our partners, Tottenham Hotspur, with whom we have enjoyed a fantastic and fruitful relationship since 2007 and we are convinced that this relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years to come."[LNB]One of Khumalo's new team-mates will be Alan Hutton, who is enjoying something of a renaissance at White Hart Lane following his own injury woes.[LNB]The Scotland right-back has started the last seven games for club and country so has welcomed the lack of a midweek fixture ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester United and next Tuesday's Champions League return against Inter Milan.[LNB]"It's brilliant to have a clear week now so that we can take it easy and make sure we get the rest in before another tough week ahead," Hutton told Spurs' website, tottenhamhotspur.com.
