South Africa international Dean Furman is understood to be the latest trialist bidding to impress Carlisle United boss Chris Beech.

The experienced former Oldham and Doncaster player is believed to be the man spotted training with the Cumbrians last week.

Fans have been speculating about the identity of the player pictured with Beech’s squad and the News & Star understands Furman, 32, is indeed the man.

United have not commented on the latest new face on the training ground, having only confirmed Joe Fryer and Junior Mondal’s status as trialists so far.

Furman recently returned to the UK having opted not to renew his contract with South African outfit SuperSport United.

At the time of his departure he cited family reasons for moving on. The 56-cap international is starting a family and now appearing to seek a return to the English game.

Cape Town-born Furman, who moved to England aged five, played all his football in the UK before returning to his home country in 2015.

He had youth spells at Chelsea and Rangers, moving into the professional ranks with the Glasgow club before a loan spell with Bradford and then a permanent move to Oldham.

He spent three years with the Latics and captained the side, making 148 appearances and scoring nine goals.

A spell at Doncaster followed from 2013. Furman played 82 times for the Yorkshire outfit and scored three goals before then heading to South Africa where he has had a five-year stint with SuperSport, also captaining the club.

South African media reported that he was looking at overseas clubs during the spring. SuperSport chief executive Stanley Matthews described Furman as “one of our all-time great midfielders and captains” who led the club to seven cup finals four trophies and five top-eight finishes.

United head coach Beech could consider Furman as an experienced option in a largely youthful squad, with his midfield numbers having lost the know-how of Mike Jones, who was released this summer and subsequently joined Barrow.

Furman, along with Fryer and Mondal, could figure in Carlisle’s friendly at Gateshead tomorrow with Beech not ruling out further trialists.

United are poised to play their second friendly after Saturday’s game at Workington was called off because a Reds player had tested positive for Covid-19.

Their first game was at Fleetwood last Tuesday and Beech is happy with the condition of his players with three weeks to go before a return to competitive action.

“The lads are all fit and raring to go, and it’s been really good from my perspective because they haven’t been to Ibiza and they haven’t been out clubbing,” he said.

“That means they haven’t been doing things they shouldn’t do and, like all of us, they’ve had to lock down and behave.

“They’re in good health and we had a run-out the other day against Fleetwood, which was great.

“I’ve really enjoyed the last couple of weeks with the lads and am so excited for the games to start, the proper games.

“The lads are showing good energy and spirits so I really am excited.”