http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_7058080,00.html Skysports.com understands that Reading have lined-up a deal with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Bongani Khumalo on loan for the season. Khumalo, who is currently back in his homeland of South Africa with Spurs on their pre-season tour, is yet to play a first-team game for Tottenham after joining them in January this year from Supersport United. He finished last season on loan at Preston North End, and Tottenham chief Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would like the 24-year-old central defender to gain more experience. A number of Championship clubs, as well as SPL champions Rangers, had shown an interest - but the South African international now appears set to join Reading. Skysports.com understand that Khumalo will wrap up his move to The Madejski Stadium next week when Spurs return to England.
Reading? Not ideal, really, but as long as he plays consistently, then it's experience of English football, I guess.
I think a move to Reading is ideal, they were in the play-off final last season and he will get plenty of games in a very tough Championship so he should gain a lot of experience and will hopefully come back a better player for it.
If HR doesn't see him as able first team cover this season at 24, its hard to see if he will at all, seems more like a token signing for our SA link.
He is behind King, Gallas, Dawson, Kaboul and (at the moment) Bassong though, Notso. Can't really see him making it though, to be honest.
At 24 he has a lot of playing in him yet, Distin wasn't very good until his last year or so at City. I'm a little surprised we're sending him to Reading over Rangers though and it hints that we're looking to sell him, Rangers are unlikely to splash £4mill on the back of a successful loan but Reading may well if they get promoted.
Precisely PNP, if he can't dislodge just one of those, you have to question it, also remember Caulker is likely to part of the squad next year imo. I just don't see a place for him either in the short, or long term, unless he's exceptional...which he clearly isn't.
Well Bassong is probably going to be on his way in the window anyway, King will play 15-18 games I would say. Our first choice CB pairing is Daws/Gallas, when King not available so unless we sign Tasci/Shawcross (not Cahill) Khumalo would be 4th choice at least. A year at Rangers or Reading would be a year experience if we're seriously conisidering him, Rangers would say we are, Reading would say we're not. Apologies in advance for any slack typing, am a tad lubricated.
The standard of Football in the Championship is at least on a par with the SPL, Rangers & Celtic aside. And how many Champions League games would he get playing up there? 4 max.
Have you seen how they play in it, though? I guess Khumalo would get a lot of practice! Does this mean that he doesn't get the privilege of playing alongside 96-year-old David Weir, then?
and doesnt Kboul play a role in our central defence?.....plus hes better off at reading...doesnt mean he will be a better player just because hes playing in Europa...CL maybe...but how many games is that if your a Rngers player
Will he play much? Who are Reading's other centre back options? I heard Superman Sonko might be coming back?
