Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce admits their deal with Florent Indalecio is a roll of the dice.
Indalecio arrived for trials on recommendation of Allan Saint-Maximin.
Bruce said: "We've decided to take a bit of a gamble and see how he gets on this year.
"He came over for a trial with Allan in the summer. He came into the academy and they've had him for the past six weeks. He's got something.
"Whether that will ever be good enough to play for Newcastle, we'll see how he develops. But we'll give him a chance, he's got a decent pedigree."
Bruce, though, says Indalecio has earned his opportunity - his trial included one stunning overhead-kick goal that was captured on camera.
"It certainly helps Allan, it's his mate. But make no mistake, we haven't just signed him because he's Allan's mate," added Bruce. "He's got a bit of talent, otherwise he wouldn't be coming in."