Tottenham close to Khumalo deal

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said on Friday that the English Premier League side were hopeful of concluding a 1.5 million pound deal for South African World Cup defender Bongani Khumalo.

The 23-year-old had a trial at White Hart Lane and is expected to move from South African league side Supersports when the transfer window opens in January.

“We’re in the process of doing a deal for him. He’s not expensive. We had him over on trial and we like him. He’s got potential and we’ve got a tie up with the club Supersports so we’ve taken him on,” said Redknapp.

Khumalo, who was born in Swaziland, scored during this summer’s World Cup win over France.

His arrival will be a significant boost to Redknapp, who has seen Michael Dawson join fellow centre-back Jonathan Woodgate on the long-term injury list.

Redknapp added: “It will be a great chance for him. He comes from a poor background and he’s desperate for a chance and we’re going to give him a chance.”