Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) will decide later this week if they are going to sign English-born left-back Ben King for the new season.
The 21-year-old has been on trial with the Southern Tigers for the past two weeks. If successful, he could be fast-tracked for Malaysian citizenship, following the example of Australian-born midfielder Brendan Gan, now with Kelantan FA.
King's mother was born in Malacca. He last played for Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian League Premier Division, which is effectively the English seventh division.
"He has been on trial with us for the last two or three weeks and we will decide over the next few days whether to sign him," JDT coach Bojan Hodak told the New Straits Times.
"If we decide to offer him a contract, he will begin the process of taking up Malaysian citizenship. We could register him in the next window in April if he has received his citizenship by then."
JDT tried unsuccessful to sign former Sydney FC midfielder Gan during the off-season with the ex-Sabah import choosing to stay with George Boateng's Kelantan.
Australia will be the pre-season destination for JDT, who will fly out on New Year's Day for a four-match tour.
They are trying to get in top form as they attempt to become the first Malaysian club to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage -- in addition to defending their league title.
For the 2015 season, they have signed former Sarawak midfielder Junior Eldstal and 18-year-old Malaysian-Italian forward Sean Gan Gianelli from Armed Forces. Also joining the already formidable squad are S. Chanturu, goalkeeper Farizal Marlias, Amer Saidin and S. Kunanlan.
Their eight Malaysian national team players were rested as JDT drew 1-1 away to Penang in a trial match on Friday. Junior played in central defence, Aidil Zafuan Radzak put in a solid shift as he continued to build fitness after missing the AFF Suzuki Cup while former Harimau Muda A defender Amer turned out against his home state.
"I did not have eight national team players and I also did not want to risk the imports so I gave a few young players a chance," said Hodak.
JDT open their Malaysian Super League season on Jan. 31 against Malaysia Cup champions Pahang FA in a game which doubles as the Charity Shield.