Newcastle United could sign free-agent defender Udoka Chima one year after the youngster was released by Premier League rivals Burnley, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.
It is 11 months now since Burnley announced that Chima would not be handed a new contract at Turf Moor.
It has taken a while, then, but it seems that the talented centre-back is finally set for a return to the game.
All Nigeria Soccer reports that Newcastle have invited Chima to Tyneside. The 19-year-old will play with the Magpies’ youth sides ahead of pre-season as he looks to earn a full-time deal with Steve Bruce’s side.
The report adds that Newcastle face competition from Benfica.
The Portuguese powerhouses, who recently lost out to local rivals Sporting Lisbon for the Primeira Liga title, have also taken Chima on trial.
It is not certain, at this stage, why Burnley opted against keeping Chima in Lancashire.
Perhaps they felt, with Ben Mee and James Tarkowski playing week-in, week-out and with Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne providing cover, there was simply no space in Sean Dyche’s set-up for a young central defender.
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