Lewes have completed the signing of a player once likened to Cesc Fabregas.

Former Atletico Madrid attacker Alvaro Merida was due to make his debut in Saturday’s Ryman premier home match with Merstham which was postponed just over an hour before kick-off.

Merida, now 22, had the chance to sign for Manchester City in 2008 but turned down the move as he wanted to finish his schooling.

The former Spain under-16 and under-17 international also played for Roma’s reserves in 2009 but has since dropped down the divisions in his homeland, with his most recent club being third tier Alcobendas Sport.

He was on trial at Scottish Premier League side Hearts last April and is now looking to resurrect his career in England.

Lewes boss Darren Freeman said: “He is coming over to England to get a pro contract.

“He was on trial at Hearts and they were really keen on taking him on but the transfer fee was quite a lot of money.

“He can play at a lower level and we have managed to get hold of him. He can play wide left, up top, the No.10 role or wide right. He is an exciting signing.”

Freeman was frustrated that the game with Merstham did not go ahead after Lewes had worked hard to get the match on.

He said: “There were a couple of puddles on the pitch but the referee could have allowed us some time to work on them.

“Merstham clearly didn’t want to play. Their manager was in the referee’s ear saying they didn’t want to play for the lads’ safety but I am a football man and I want to play football so I am slightly disappointed.”