The 22-year-old played half an hour in Wednesday night's 2-0 friendly loss to Central Coast behind closed doors in Tuggerah.

Newcastle are committed to signing one Chinese player with one of their remaining two visa spots, as part of the Shenzhen-based Ledman Group's ownership.

Midfielder Ma Leilei made 15 appearances and scored one goal for the Jets last term as their Chinese player, although his overall impact was limited, only making seven starts.

Ma Leilei was Newcastle's Chinese player in 2016/17

Zhu is currently on the books of strong Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG, who are managed by ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas.

The midfielder was loaned out to second tier outfit Nei Mongol Zhongyou earlier this year.

He also had a loan spell with Serbian second tier club BSK Borca last year where he made three apperances, having come through the youth ranks at Shanghai Shenhua.

Jets boss Ernie Merrick is understood to want to give Zhu several weeks to showcase his ability, having arrived without adequate match fitness.

Merrick had previously flagged he wanted to make three more signings, with Jake Adelson since added.

The Jets have visa spots remaining available, with one committed to a Chinese player, while Merrick wants an attacking midfielder too.