De Bruyn played for South Africa against India in 2004 (Getty)

Somerset are hoping to sign South African Zander de Bruyn as a Kolpak player on a one-year contract.

The 32-year-old all-rounder played in three Test matches in 2004 and appeared for Worcestershire in the County Championship a year later.

The Cidermen are awaiting the outcome of a meeting at Lord's on Friday, where De Bruyn's registration was discussed.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose said: "He comes recommended by both Jimmy Cook and Neil McKenzie."

He added: "He fills the role that Cameron White and Neil McKenzie filled for us last year in that he will come in at number five, either when the second new ball is being taken or when we need someone who can stay at the wicket."

A right-hand bat and right-arm fast medium bowler, de Bruyn has an impressive record, having scored 6,568 first-class runs at an average of 42 and taken 136 wickets.

In the one-day game he has taken 81 wickets at an average of 31.32 runs and scored 2,818 runs, averaging 32.76.