Arsenal reject convinces Newcastle to swoop after half-hour trial

Steve Bruce TEAMtalk

Newcastle United are reportedly set to sign young forward Shaun Mavididi after he impressed for the Magpies during a trial match.

The youngster was on the Arsenal books but released earlier this year. Newcastle were quick to take note and offered him a chance to impress on Tyneside. And it seems as though the 28 minutes he played as a substitute for the club’s Under-18s has done the trick.

He came on during the second half of the youngsters’ 2-1 defeat to Stoke City on February 20 this year. And Newcastle coaches were also impressed with the way he trained while in the north east.

Football Insider are reporting that Mavididi has been offered a two-year scholarship deal. Should he progress as hoped, that would then be converted into a one-year professional contract.

The starlet comes from a talented footballing family. Brother Stephy Mavididi was also on the Gunners books but, like his younger sibling, left before making a first-team appearance.

He spent time on loan with Charlton and Preston North End before Italian giants Juventus came calling. The striker enjoyed one senior outing but has now found his feet in France.

A loan period with Dijon earned him a permanent move to Montpellier and the Derby-born ace has bagged nine Ligue 1 goals.

Shaun is some way behind his brother’s development but has a similar pedigree. If he can progress at the same rate then Newcastle could have unearthed a gem.

Newcastle v West Ham Match Preview, April 17, 2021

Newcastle v West Ham Match Preview, April 17, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Newcastle and West Ham, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

Mavididi one for the future

It is not thought that Mavididi would be in contention for a place in the Newcastle first-team squad. The club’s future in the Premier League is far from certain.

And regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Steve Bruce needs experienced reinforcements. The St James’ Park outfit gave themselves some breathing space with victory over Burnley last time out.

They are now six points clear of 18th-placed Fulham having played one game less. But there is still time for the Cottagers to bridge the gap.

Stephy.Mavididi.2021.TEAMtalk1

Next up for the Magpies is the visit of in-form West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. David Moyes’ side are pushing for a Champions League spot and will be a tough nut to crack.

But having the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin back in the ranks is a huge bonus and he delivered the goods against the Clarets. Fulham were making progress from the bottom three but five defeats in six outings has seen them hit the buffers.

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