Kent are expected to confirm this week that they have agreed a deal to sign New Zealand international batsman Tom Latham.

The left-handed opener averages 39 in his 18 Test appearances for the Black Caps and made a half-century against Australia in Wellington two weeks ago, though he departed for 4 and 39 in this week's clash in Christchurch.

The club are set to confirm his signing upon the completion of the latest Test match.

The 23-year-old is also a back-up wicketkeeper, having kept against England in the first Test at Lords last summer after an injury to regular gloveman BJ Watling.

The versatility of the Christchurch man - who plays club cricket for Canterbury in his home country - will have appealed to Kent with Sam Billings (pictured) in line to miss parts of the summer on England duty and with Adam Rouse the only recognised senior keeper at the club.

Latham - son of former Kiwi all-rounder Rod - made his Test debut against India in February 2014, making his first century against Pakistan later that year with two more since then.

Two years earlier he had made his limited overs debut against Zimbabwe. He has played 38 ODIs and 12 T20s for his country and cracked an unbeaten 110 in an ODI series with Zimbabwe last year.

Latham also became the first player to score a fifty in a day-night Test match against Australia in November.

Latham is set to be available from pre-season until mid-August when New Zealand face a Test series against South Africa and Latham's new Kent teammate, paceman Kasigo Rabada.