Newcastle United are reportedly casting their eye over 17-year-old striker Dujuan Richards, who is currently on trial with the Magpies.
That is according to Newcastle World, who state that the Jamaican has been with the club for about a week now being put through his paces.
They state that he watched the 1-1 draw with West Ham before starting his trial a few days later, while they add that he also witnessed the Under-21s side come from behind to draw with Leeds on Monday.
The teenager, whose nickname is ‘Whisper’, will be hoping to earn a permanent move to St James’ Park, having made a name for himself in Jamaica.
Richards has come through the Phoenix All Stars Academy, which is where Aston Villa ace Leon Bailey first made his name.
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He has really impressed at youth level in Jamaica, with coach Raymond Watson tipping Richards for an incredibly bright future.
“He is a great player, and once he knows his talent and becomes a little bit more of a team player, he could be unstoppable,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
“He is getting there and it’s amazing to think about what the future holds for him if he continues on the same path.”
Newcastle will hope that he can become unstoppable too, as they continue to run the rule over the latest youngster Dan Ashworth could sign to a permanent deal.
Dujuan Richards the latest youngster in Newcastle’s sights
Since the change of ownership and the appointment of Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director, there has been a renewed focus on the club’s academy. Newcastle are looking to bring in more quality youngsters and increase the calibre of their youth system.
It is something that Ashworth did brilliantly at Brighton, and he will try to replicate it at Newcastle. He is looking to bring in players at a very young age with the hope that they can become first-team stars by developing their game on Tyneside.
That is instead of watching them flourish elsewhere before having to pay a fortune to bring them to St James’ Park.
Plenty of youngsters have already arrived at Newcastle. Ashworth brought in the likes of Alex Murphy and Charlie McArthur last summer, while Garang Kuol signed on the dotted line in January.
There have also been lots of links with Brazilian teenagers, as Ashworth looks to tap into the South American market.
Now a young Jamaican in Richards is being lined up, with the Newcastle’s decision makers currently deciding whether or not he is a player who could have a future in the Premier League.
If they believe he has the potential then this trial could lead to a permanent transfer, and hand Richards the chance to join Newcastle’s incredibly exciting project.