As revealed by The Chronicle, Eddie Howe has invited U23 talent Isaac Westendorf to train with the senior side for the start of pre-season.
The 20-year-old signed a professional deal at St James’ Park earlier this year after impressing on trial, with him arriving from non-league side Barking.
Since then, he’s netted five goals in 11 appearances in the Premier League 2, leaving Eddie Howe keen to take a closer look at the powerful striker.
Westendorf isn’t the only U23 who’s been spotted in the club’s official training photos, with Kell Watts, Joe White, Lucas De Bolle and Jay Turner-Cooke also working with the senior squad.
Watts signed a new deal on Tyneside earlier this year and returns following an impressive loan spell at Wigan, helping the Latics earn promotion back to the Championship.
Speaking to The Chronicle last year, here’s what Barking & Dagenham Post reporter Jacob Ranson had to say about Westerndorf:
“Isaac is fast, powerful and was extremely impressive for Barking.
“Often youngsters, despite how good they are, struggle to adapt to men’s football initially.
“But not Isaac, as he got himself into the first-team and found the back of the net consistently.”
No mention of Elliot Anderson ?
PremAndUp(Quote)
He’s due back this week. Think he was given additional time off as he represented Scotland at U21 level (after Bristol Rovers loan) while others were on holiday.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thanks
PremAndUp(Quote)
I love this not only making shrewd but yet good signings for the senior team but the seemingly constant drive to progress the younger players and also bring in good younger players. Wonderful policy which will bare fruit in the years to come
Toon expat(Quote)