Manchester Magic have confirmed two more signings ahead of the new season, which starts this weekend.

Simon Anumba, 20, a key member of the all-conquering Magic team last last season, and Loick Pouale, 22, will be part of Paul Middleton’s squad for the 2016/17 campaign.

Middleton is delighted Anumba, a 6ft 5in forward with an Italian passport, is returning.

“After spending the last few months searching for a scholarship to the USA, I am pleased to say that Simon will be re-signing for the Magic this coming season,” said Middleton.

“He has a scholarship offer from a highly regarded NCAA Division 2 programme, but there has been a delay the process that may see him taking up the offer later in the year.

“Simon has grown as a player and a person over the last two seasons since moving over from Italy with his family.

“He had a major impact last year, starting many games for us and becoming one of our top scorers, rebounders and defenders.

“He is extremely versatile and will be hugely important to our success this coming year.”

Pouale, a 6ft 4in guard, is a former Magic junior who played for Leeds Force in the BBL last season after studying in the United States.

Now a student at MMU, he joins a talented squad looking to defend all four titles they won in 2015/16.

“It is great to see him back in a Magic shirt,” said Middleton.

“Loick started with us in the Under-13 programme many years ago and played in every age-group team, including our Loreto College Academy before leaving for the USA.

“Like Simon, Loick is a player that can be effective on both ends of the floor as he possesses a great athleticism that allows him to make spectacular plays for the team.”

Anumba will join younger brother Michael in a Magic squad that includes former Manchester Giants star Stefan Gill.

Magic get their season underway with a National Trophy tie at Bradford Dragons on Saturday.