Highly-rated Lea Dawson will try to earn a deal at the Gallagher Stadium when Maidstone United start pre-season training.

The midfielder is set to link up with the squad for the opening session of the summer on Tuesday night.

Dawson won promotion to the Ryman League, Premier Division with Thamesmead last season but wants to join the Stones.

United boss Jay Saunders said: “He’s a player who could do well for us. Thamesmead were desperate to keep him.

“He could have said ‘make me an offer’ but he wants to come along and prove himself. I’ve seen him two or three times and want a closer look.

“He’s 21 or 22, strong in the air, good in the tackle and a box-to-box player who’s as fit as a fiddle.”