Johannesburg - Reading have announced the signing of highly rated Tottenham Hotspur defender Bongani Khumalo on a season-long loan deal.
The South African defender, who joined the north London club last season, is yet to play in the Premier League, having joined Preston North End on loan last season.
But the 24-year-old former SuperSport United centre-back, who completed his medical at Madejski Stadium on Monday afternoon, is looking forward to his new challenge in the Championship.
Khumalo told the club's official website: "It's amazing to be here. It's an unbelievable set-up at Reading - and I just got a great feeling from the club after playing here for Preston at the end of last season.
"I spoke with the manager and he was very ambitious with his plans for the season ahead, so there was only ever one option for me. It just feels right."
Royals boss Brian McDermott added he is delighted to have signed the player, who has an option to return to Spurs during the January transfer window.
He added: "Bongani is a player we know well. He played against us for Spurs' reserves and also while on loan at Preston towards the end of last season, before he unfortunately picked up a metatarsal injury.
"I'd like to thank Harry Redknapp at Tottenham for allowing Bongani the opportunity to come out on loan and for giving us the opportunity to have him here.
"We are delighted to have him with us."
Khumalo could make his debut for Reading in a pre-s