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.

Photo: Action Images

Kesgraveblue57 added 11:39 - Jul 23 Welcome to Portman Rd Massimo I hope you enjoy your stay with us
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Rossm added 11:43 - Jul 23 haha, no one is getting excited about this one. good be good, who knows?
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irishtim added 11:52 - Jul 23 Welcome. Now make a name for yourself. Got my home & away jerseys in the post today. Love the away one.
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Immy added 11:53 - Jul 23 Welcome Massimo! Looking forward to seeing how he performs in a Town shirt.
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BillBlue added 12:12 - Jul 23 Yes, welcome aboard Massimo but, Phil, do you think this is the 'next signing which is not a striker' or are we still waiting for that one. Any ideas? COYB
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saffronblue added 12:23 - Jul 23 With this signing and the Fench lad I wonder where that leaves Hyam as we already have Drury, Bullard, Carson and Stevenson in the middle of the park
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brian_a_mul added 12:49 - Jul 23 Im not too worried about Hyam at the moment. Hyam is our best holding midfielder and Im sure he will be getting plenty of game time this season. Kourouma is likely to be a squad player and will take time to develop. One for the future. With the departures of Leadboots and Bowyer we are short on numbers in midfield (&Murphy out wide). Stevenson is a good bench player that can cover midfield and attack plus with bigger subs bench we need more options to call upon. Carson is very much a wide player in the offensive mould. It is a squad game (& a long hard season) and we now have good quality midfielders with potential to get better. We really do have some wonderful talent in our midfield (incl wide areas) with Martin & JET too.

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im_marcacus added 13:08 - Jul 23 That 1/2 an inch must be pretty important
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AbujaBlue added 13:14 - Jul 23 Welcome. Look forward to seeing what he can do.
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MVBlue added 13:21 - Jul 23 Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi
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Surco72 added 13:21 - Jul 23 Unless Massimo is a holding midfielder it would leave Hyam in exactly the same position as he was .If Hyam is good enough on a regular basis at training he will get to play if not he will be moved on at the end of the season . I dont think Carson will play in the middle also ?
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cooper4england added 13:44 - Jul 23 @Marcacus My wife tells me it is;-)
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bobble added 14:14 - Jul 23 from parramatta rd to portman rd, i think he will find the italian food just isn't as good,but theres always the famous pies.
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