Folkestone Invicta expect to complete the formalities of signing 23-year-old Congo-born Patrick Nzuzi on Friday.

Hopefully the deal will be done in time for the talented young right-sided player to be included in their squad for Saturday’s big Ryman One South top-of-the-table clash with Worthing at The Fullicks Stadium.

Nzuzi, who grew up in North East England, played for the famous Wallsend Boys Club, and joined Newcastle United’s Academy in 2005 where he spent seven years, graduating into the Magpies reserve side where he became a regular.

He joined League of Ireland side Limerick when they toured Scotland and went on to sign for them before switching to Sligo Rovers last summer.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said (on Thursday): “Patrick approached us a month or so ago as he has moved into the area and is studying sports science at Kent University.

“I know Micky Adams (former Sligo Rovers manager) who told me that Patrick is a good lad and a good young player and we’ve been waiting for international clearance, which we received this morning. We’ve just got to get a couple of forms signed and get him registered with the Ryman League tomorrow.”

“He’s played as a professional in Ireland, which is a good standard of football, and did well at Newcastle before that.”

Nzuzi has also played at under-21 level for his country, The Democratic Republic of Congo.

At Limerick and Sligo he was described strong, quick and agile, playing anywhere on the right hand side of defence or midfield.