Bermuda international Nahki Wells could be on the verge of signing professional terms with English League One side Carlisle United.

Wells staked his claim for a permanent deal at Carlisle after impressing in a friendly match for the club last week during which Greg Abott, the team's manager, watched him.

Abott now wants a second look at the former Dandy Town man and will make a decision on whether to sign Wells when he returns to Brunton Park in two weeks time to train with the first team.

Mark Ellis who is the coaching director at UK-based International Academic & Soccer Academy (IASA) where Wells enrolled on a four-year course last summer recommended the 19-year-old striker to the Cumbrian outfit.

Ellis, who played more than 200 games for Bradford City, said Wells had shown a "professional attitude" since joining the IASA and believes he could prove to be a great discovery for promotion chasing Carlisle.

"Nahki's been up to Carlisle and they really, really like him," said Ellis.

"In two weeks time he's going to go up and stay there for a few days and they will make a decision on whether to sign him or not, so that's really good news.

"I'm friends with their manager and he really likes him.

"You can't count your chickens and I just hope it all works out for him because I think he's a great lad and obviously a good footballer.

"He's got a great first touch, two good feet and is quick. He seems really focused and determined and seems to have a good lifestyle. I think he will fit in great in the changing room and if there are more kids like him in Bermuda then send them over!"

Former Ipswich trialist, Wells, had been due to play for Carlisle in a friendly against Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers last month but was denied that mouth-watering opportunity because of eligibility issues.

Ellis said Wells had also attracted the interest of Championship side Hull City whose young reserve team he plundered a hat-trick against earlier this season for the IASA.

"He's done really well. I work with Dai Jones, an England Under-21 scout, and he really rates him and actually wanted to take him to Hull City," he said. "But as I'm friends with Carlisle's manager I thought it would be the best thing to take (Nakhi) there. They're doing well and play some good football."

As well as turning out for the IASA, Wells has been playing for their sister side, UK Richmond, who play in the West Yorkshire Football League which is coached by Ellis. In their most recent match he grabbed five goals although Ellis admitted Wells was far too good for that level.

"He's been playing for me in the West Yorkshire League with some of the American lads and it's too easy for him," said Ellis. "But to be fair, his attitude's still fantastic and it doesn't matter where he plays he always give you the effort. If he scores two goals a game in that league it's a disaster."

Wells and his Bermuda Hogges team-mate Tahj Bell are both furthering their football education at the IASA after it was recommended to them by the Bermuda Football Association (BFA).

The course, which is in its first year, allows overseas students to pursue an American degree while developing their football skills with top level coaching and against quality professional youth academies and reserve teams.

Bell begins a training stint at Hull City today although Ellis believes the rangy shot stopper must improve his kicking and communication skills if he is to fulfill his pro ambitions.

"Tahj will be training with Hull City with one of our American lads.

"His kicking and communication has been a bit of a problem but he has a lot of potential and we're hoping to get him in somewhere."

Ellis, who also played for Halifax Town, now hopes the IASA can provide a permanent path into English football for Bermuda's aspiring young players

"The two Bermudian lads have been brilliant and there's obviously some talent out there," he said.

"The icing on the cake is that they have a British passport as well."