Kent have recruited South African all-rounder Vernon Philander for their Friends Life t20 campaign.

Philander is seen as one of the world's top bowlers, with his Test average of 17.13 significantly better than that of the current second placed player and countryman Dale Steyn (22.65).

In addition to a staggering 89 wickets in his first 16 matches in Test cricket, Philander claimed 50 wickets in his first seven matches - the second-fastest rate in Test history - and has two Test 50s with the bat.

Philander, who turned 28 on Monday, tweeted at the end of his birthday: "Thanks again for all the kind messages. Had a great day. Sad time again packing and saying bye to friends and family. See u soon #kentccc."

"We are about to announce, I hope, an overseas signing."

Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford revealed the club were hopeful of tying up a signing this week ahead of the opening t20 clash of the campaign against Middlesex on Friday (7pm) without naming who the player was.

Speaking in his monthly video blog Mr Clifford said: "We are about to announce, I hope, an overseas signing. We are just waiting on visa details and no objections from the country the player is coming from.

"Assuming those things are in place, that player should arrive (this week)."

Philander took 15 wickets in a three-Test series against Pakistan in February but only two in four t20 games for the Cape Cobras the following month.

He is yet to replicate his Test success in one-day cricket, claiming seven wickets in eight ODIs for South Africa and four wickets in seven t20 games, and was left out of the South African squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Philander is no stranger to Canterbury having helped the tourists record a draw there last July.