Released Bournemouth defender Chris Francis may get a second Premier League opportunity as reports emerge that he is training with Sheffield United.
The Daily Mail claim that the 20-year-old has been taken on a pre-season trial with the Blades following his departure from the Cherries this summer.
Francis appeared in a friendly for League One side Charlton Athletic last week and is also said to be attracting interest from Championship duo Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool.
Predominantly a centre-back, but also able to play as left-back, the young Englishman signed for Bournemouth last summer having impressed on trial. It was not to be, however, as he was one of six players to be released from the club’s development squad at the end of the season.
Prior to the Cherries, Francis played for National League South outfit Weymouth and Southern League Division Central side North Leigh, though it is clear that he is destined to play at a much higher level.
After progressing through the ranks at Swindon Town, the youngster was released at the end of his scholarship after 12 years with the Robins.
Should the Cherries have kept hold of Francis?
He promptly signed for North Leigh where he played over 30 games and excelled as he became accustomed to the ‘uglier’ side of the game. Francis credits the Millers with helping him push on thanks to the extra sessions they provided for him.
Should the Blades sign him, it is unclear whether he would be an academy addition or used as back-up to the current first team defenders such as John Egan, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Chris Basham. However, it is probably a safe bet to assume that he would feature for their youth set-ups before taking a deep dive into the Premier League.
Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but it seems as though the ex-Bournemouth man has the potential to succeed on a bigger stage than his non-league days.
He is hot property this summer.