Exclusive: Kinetic Academy youngster Andre Gray set for Sheffield United trial

We’re delighted to welcome the founder of Kinetic Academy Harry Hudson as our exclusive columnist. Each week the youth football expert will be giving his views on the biggest talking points on wonderkids across the UK…

Kinetic Academy graduate Andre Gray is set to go on trial at Championship high-flyers Sheffield United, The Football Wonderkids understands.

The Blades currently sit in second position in the second tier, three points behind leaders Burnley with the World Cup break now arrived but Bramall Lane isn’t the only possible place he will trial.

Gray may also have a period of time with Scottish Cup champions Rangers who already have Kinetic Academy graduate Kevin Ciubotaru in their B team at the moment.

Joe Aribo is another graduate of the programme set up by Harry Hudson in 2011 after the London riots sparked inspiration for the recent university graduate.

The Nigerian international left Ibrox for £6million for Southampton in the summer but the connection to Rangers remains strong even though Gray could easily go elsewhere.

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“We’ve definitely got three or four boys who have trials lined up,” Hudson told The Football Wonderkids. “We’re hopeful that Andre Gray is one that will be going to Sheffield United. He’s a centre-half.”

The exact destination of the other potential suitors is as yet unknown but only Sheffield United are certain to be giving him a trial right now.

Rangers appear likely to give him a go too having been impressed by Gray when the Kinetic Academy visited Auchenhowie on a mini tour of Scotland where they also played St Mirren at Under-18 and Under-16 level as well as the Bears.

In other Kinetic Academy news, Hudson believes that the Old Firm duo rule the roost north of the border when it comes to youth talent.