Udoka Chima invited to train with Newcastle United ahead of possible deal – Report
Newcastle United are interested in signing Udoka Chima.
An exclusive from All Nigeria Soccer says that Newcastle have made an approach to the young central defender.
Born in Italy but of Nigerian descent, Udoka Chima was previously with Burnley.
Now aged 19, the young defender has recently spent a week and a half training with Benfica, who are now considering making an offer to the player.
Whilst All Nigeria Soccer say that their information is that Newcastle United have now followed up their interest by inviting Udoka Chima to come and train at the NUFC Academy in pre-season, with a contract offer if he impresses.
With a delayed start, this 2020/21 season is finishing later than usual and with the start of July, when pre-season usually begins, only six weeks or so away, clubs need more than ever to be making plans early for next season.
Newcastle United have been prolific in recruiting young players who haven’t made it at other clubs, both home and abroad.
So no surprise if indeed there has been an offer made to Udoka Chima, who was released by Burnley at the end of the 2019/20 season and has not managed to get a new permanent club so far.
Recent games have seen Andrew Nelson (who was at Middlesbrough) and Cameron Ferguson (last with Tranmere) playing for the Newcastle United under 18s and indeed the son of former Newcastle striker Duncan, Cameron Ferguson scored in a 4-3 win over Sunderland last week. No news as yet if they are going to be agreeing deals with Newcastle United.
If they do sign, they will be joining numerous other young players at Newcastle United’s younger age groups who have been discarded by other clubs. Indeed, the NUFC Under 23 team regularly has a majority of players who didn’t come through the ranks at Newcastle United, though none of them so far threatening to make any impression at first team level.
Ludwig Francillette, Niall Brookwell, Florent Indalecio, Bradley Cross, Stan Flaherty and Matty Bondswell, just a few of those who have been recruited into the NUFC Academy set-up after finding themselves without a club.
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