'˜Next Charlie Austin' is being eyed up by Yates

Striker Ashley Nadesan, 21, who currently works at McDonald’s in Redhill, is on their radar after scoring an incredible 50 goals so far this season for Combined Counties League club Horley Town.

He had a trial last week at Reds and is said to have impressed manager Mark Yates.

However Crawley could face stiff competition from five other Football League clubs who are interested in seeing the young star, including Brighton & Hove Albion and Premier League side Norwich City.

Horley manager Anthony Jupp said: “I have had him since he was 17, he played in my youth team at Horley when I was manager, it was quite clear to see then that he had natural talent especially pace.

“We played him at centre back as lots of players were not available and he scored a hat-trick!

“As soon as I was given the first team manager’s job two seasons ago he was straight in the side and we played him up front, he wasn’t a physical player at all but he still managed to score 44 goals in total that season.

“He had plenty of offers from local Ryman sides at the beginning of this season but I had a long chat with him and persuaded him to play another full season at our level, to gain more experience along with working on his weaknesses.

“He did this and I’m so proud of him, not many players would have listened to their manager they would of chased the money but not Ashley he showed great loyalty to myself and his team-mates.

“In my 20-odd years of playing and managing and even watching I haven’t seen a player with so much pace.

“I believe he will get offered a contract of some description with a pro’ club very soon.

“He has been watched over the last few weeks by a number of clubs, including Norwich, Brighton, Maidenhead, Colchester, AFC Wimbledon, Millwall and Crawley. I’m sure there is many more that I do not know about.”

Nadesan’s agent, Darren Lewis, who also acts for Mark Yates, is certain the Horley resident will make it to a Football League club.

He said: “The scouts definitely believe it. He needs to get some professional coaching.

“Ash has an abundance of talent and is a fantastic finisher. He also has good movement and speed.

“Charlie Austin came from the same level and I would expect a League Two club to take a chance on him, it would be silly for them not to.

“Crawley are keeping their interest open. They will be given every opportunity to take him if they want.”