Sussex are close to signing Yasir Arafat as their new overseas player.

The 24-year-old practised with the squad at Horsham yesterday and the county hope to finalise an agreement by the end of the week.

They have to secure Arafat's release from Pakistan A's tour of Australia at the end of June.

Then they will have to get the agreement of Clydesdale, the Scottish League champions where Arafat has been professional for the past five years.

But the fact that Arafat is with the county this week, if only for a couple of days, suggests neither are insurmountable hurdles.

Arafat has played six one-day internationals and has taken 371 wickets in 90 first-class games at a respectable 22.33. Last season he played in the National League for Scotland.

Cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "He has come recommended by Mushy and I like the look what I've seen so far, not only his bowling and fielding but the way he has fitted in with the other lads straight away."

Arafat will replace Rana Naved who joins Pakistan's tour later this month.

Sussex are still waiting to hear whether he will be available for the Championship match against Yorkshire at Arundel in three weeks or has to join Pakistan's pre-tour training camp in Scotland.