Cedric Evina is poised to become Crawley’s tenth signing of the summer.

Evina has been training with Reds since last week and is due to play in Friday’s opening pre-season friendly against Billingshurst before finalising a deal.

The 22-year-old utility player who came through the youth ranks at Arsenal is available as a free agent after being released by Charlton at the end of last season.

Boss John Gregory said: “Cedric is a very talented player and because of his age he is not a huge earner so it is not so much of a gamble for us.

“He is very quick and can play right-back, left-back or on either wing which obviously makes him attractive as we can’t afford two players in each position.

“He is going to be a great addition to the squad. We’ve pretty much agreed everything so it is just a case of giving it the green light.”

Gregory is keen to bring in a further four players at least before the new season kicks off and will run the rule over nine trialists against Billingshurst.

Reds are unlikely to follow up their interest in former Albion winger Dean Cox, however, after Leyton Orient rejected an initial bid.

Gregory has also identified a back-up goalkeeper for Brian Jensen after refusing to pay Dover’s asking price of £20,000 for ex-Seagulls youngster Mitch Walker.

Gregory added: “We put in a bid for Dean but it was turned down which is understandable as he is one of Orient’s top players. It is probably unlikely we will go in with another bid.

“We were keen to sign Mitch but we felt they (Dover) were being slightly unreasonable so we won’t be following that up.”