Trialist duo Bongani Khumalo and Frederic Veseli are desperate to sign for Ipswich Town following their brief time working with Mick McCarthy.
Former South Africa captain Khumalo – an athletic centre-half with a giant leap – is in advanced talks regarding a season-long loan switch from Tottenham with view to a potential permanent move.
And former Manchester City and Manchester United youngster Veseli – a versatile defender who is comfortable on the ball – is also close to agreeing a switch.
“It’s something both clubs want to do,” said Khumalo’s representative Matt Kleinman. “Bongani just wants to be playing football in England.
“He feels like a move to Ipswich could really rejuvenate him. Mick McCarthy is obviously a former centre-half himself and he’s really filled Bongani with confidence again.”
And those were sentiments that were echoed by Veseli’s agent, Adam Bouskouchi, who said: “Freddie has really enjoyed working with Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor.
“He has not been short of offers and turned down a couple of concrete offers because he just didn’t feel they were right. A lot of people in the game recommended he went and worked with Mick McCarthy and they are certainly his number one choice.”
Tottenham paid South African club Supersport United £1.7m for Khumalo shortly after his impressive displays at the 2010 World Cup. He has failed to make a single appearance for the north Londoners though, had brief loan spells at Reading and Preston before joining Greek side PAOK for the whole of last season.
He was an ever-present at the African Cup of Nations in January, but, following a disappointing exit at the quarter-final stages, was axed for the World Cup qualifiers that followed. He has twice represented Ipswich in pre-season, the 2-1 wins at Crawley and Gillingham.
Swiss U21 international Veseli trained with the Blues squad during their week-long trip to Ireland before impressing at right-back in Tuesday night’s match at Priestfield.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Manchester City before deciding that he would have better first team opportunities at Old Trafford in January 2012. Despite earning praise for his displays in United’s U21 side, the youngster – who is tipped to eventually play in central midfield – was released by David Moyes in June.
Town’s interest in both defenders would appear to make signing Titus Bramble – who also played on trial at Gillingham – more unlikely.
The 31-year-old is set to play again for the Blues at Barnet on Saturday, but the experienced centre-back says he has other options to weigh up.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here