Middlesbrough have made a move to take former Newcastle United forward Callum Roberts on trial.

The 22-year-old, who predominantly plays as a wide forward or winger, has been given a chance on Teeside after failing to make the grade at St James' Park.

According to a report from the Hartlepool Mail, Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate is giving Roberts the chance to link up with the under-23 squad at the Riverside in the hope of seeing him impress in some actual games rather than just in training.

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Roberts has spent the majority of his career so far out on various loan spells, with last year's period with Colchester United bringing underwhelming results for the winger.

However, despite failing to impress in the EFL thus far, Roberts will now be given his chance at earning a new deal with Boro as they look to capitalise on a player who has clearly shown an element of top talent at some point in his young career.

Boro have made an poor start to life in the Championship under new manager Woodgate, with a draw against newly promoted Luton Town on the opening weekend being followed by a poor home defeat to Brentford last weekend. They have also been knocked out of the League Cup, with Crewe knocking Woodgate's men out on penalties at the first hurdle.

The Verdict

This is a chance for a young player to get his career back on track away from the pressures of playing for a giant club like Newcastle.

While he's been underwhelming so far in his loan spells, he will be keen to impress after being given such a massive opportunity at Boro.

If Roberts can impress and start to fulfil his potential, then Boro might just have a solid player on their hands and all for no fee.