Former Newcastle United & Sunderland winger could land surprise League One move

Former Newcastle United and Sunderland winger Kazenga Lua Lua has been handed a chance to resume his playing career with League One club Charlton Athletic.

Lua Lua was viewed as one of the most exciting prospects to come through the Magpies academy after helping United’s youth team reach the last four of the FA Youth Cup in 2006. A senior debut followed just under two years later in an FA Cup tie against Stoke City and and Premier League bow quickly followed during a home game against Bolton Wanderers.

However, Lua Lua’s first experience of regular first-team football came during loan spells with Doncaster Rovers and Brighton, with a permanent move to the latter coming in November 2011 on the back of three separate temporary spells with the Seagulls.

Speaking after his permanent departure to Brighton, Lua Lua told The Independent: "It's been a very tough season for me, with many things off the field as well. It’s just good to get back in the team and try to play well, which I think I'm doing at the moment. When I made the decision to leave Newcastle it wasn't just about football. I thought my choice was good and my family was happy with it as well.

"Obviously they knew I used to go out with my friends then come back at stupid times. I don't do that any more. I've settled down. If you ask any players they'll say Newcastle is a party town and everybody knows everybody. That's probably why Demba Ba left, because of parties.”

Since leaving Brighton in 2018, Lua Lua has gone on to play for Sunderland, Luton Town and Turkish side Genclerbiligi - but has been without a club since he left Greek club Levadiakos last year.

However, London News Online have now reported the 33-year-old winger is training with Charlton and could follow former Sunderland forward Connor Whickham by penning a deal with the Addicks if he can impress manager Nathan Jones.