By John Walsh

Workington Reds have signed a former Manchester City trainee ahead of this weekend's clash with Basford United.

Central defender Camron Gbadebo has joined the Reds from NPL Premier Division rivals Marske United and goes straight into Danny Grainger's squad for the Basford trip.

London-born Gbadebo, 21, who qualifies to play for Nigeria, had youth experience withย Crystal Palace, Watford FC, Leicester City and Manchester City.

He joined Marske in September this year on non-contract terms and after Reds put in seven days notice he has agreed to join the Cumbrians.

Reds boss Grainger has been looking for a centre-back following the retirement of club stalwart Dan Wordsworth and hopes that Gbadebo is the one to fill the bill long-term.

Last week he brought in Joe Bunney and Dannan Francis ahead of the 4-3 defeat at Guiseley where both made their Workington debuts.

Since then Reds have lost winger Kofi Moore, recalled by parent club Oldham, but Grainger had suggested during the week that he was close to landing a new player.

Gbadebo was on Leicester's books at under-18 level then joined Manchester City's academy in 2020.

After a loan spell with AFC Fylde, he joined Colchester United permanently in 2022 before spells in non-league with Wingate and, from September, Marske.

Workington's manager will have noted Gbadebo in a recent league game at Marske in which he scored the opening goal in what ended as a 3-0 win for the north east side on October 24.

Reds make the long trip to Nottinghamshire this weekend as they look to bounce back from last Saturday's defeat at Guiseley.