TWTD understands that Tottenham midfielder Massimo Luongo is expected at Portman Road today to sign a season-long loan and to join up with his new team-mates. TWTD was first to reveal that the Blues were targeting the 19-year-old Australian a fortnight ago.

Once the formalities of his temporary move have been completed, Luongo, who was in a Spurs development side which drew 0-0 with Italian team Calcio Como on Saturday, is likely to go into the squad for one of this week’s friendlies against Braintree and Cambridge United.

Manager Paul Jewell has said he will split his senior players between the two matches against Blue Square Bet Premier sides.

The move for Luongo appears to have come about due to manager Paul Jewell’s close links with Tim Sherwood, who coaches the Spurs development squad and was in charge of the team in Italy.

Speaking a fortnight ago, Jewell said: “I know Tim Sherwood quite well at Tottenham and I’ve been in dialogue with him over the summer. “

Sydney-born Luongo joined Spurs in January 2011 after impressing while on trial, having previously played for APIA Leichhardt Tigers in his homeland.

He made nine appearances for their U18s in the 2010/11 season, scoring three goals from central midfield, including one in a final day 2-1 defeat of the Blues.

By the beginning of last season he had impressed enough to make his senior debut — and miss the decisive spotkick in a shoot-out — as a 71st minute sub in a Carling Cup tie with Stoke. That remains his only first team appearance.

Capped twice by Australia at U20 level and called into senior training camps, 5ft 9½in tall Luongo also qualifies to play for Italy, the nation of his father's birth, and Indonesia, where his mother was born.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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