Breaking News: Bolton Wanderers to sign Afghanistan International

As revealed by Sun journalist Alan Nixon, Bolton Wanderers are set to sign Afghanistan international Josef Shirdel, becoming the first English side ever to sign an Afghanistan international.

Nixon tweeted:

''Bolton. Bringing in AFGHAN international Josef Shirdel. Big wide man. Started at Hamburg. Free agent. In tomorrow.''

Winger Shirdel, 23, was born in Hamburg and began his youth career with Hamburg and St Pauli, before scoring 8 goals in 45 games for Hamburg's reserve team, Hamburger SV II between 2012 and 2015.

After leaving Hamburg, Shirdel, who is tall for a winger (6ft 1), had trials last year at West Ham United and Rangers, as well a trial at MLS side Orlando City last May.

Shirdel spent last season at German fourth divison side ETSV Weiche, where he scored six times in 28 games, and helped Weiche finish 3rd.

Sports site Talking Baws described Shirdel as a winger who 'isn't blessed with pace, but knows how to cross a ball'.

Despite being born in Germany, Shirdel plays international football for Afghanistan. Shirdel was called up for Afghanistan for the 2015 SAFF Championship games but did not compete because of illness. He eventually made his debut in March 2016 against Japan, a game in which Japan won 5-0. Shirdel scored his first goal in his second match for Afghanistan in a 2-1 win against Singapore.

Here's a video of Shirdel playing football:

Bolton are obviously lacking in wide men, so what do you make of this signing? Let us know in the comments box below.