Kerkar was snapped up by City boss Kevin Keegan as temporary cover for midfield duo Ali Benarbia and Eyal Berkovic.

The 25-year-old has been on trial at Maine Road after leaving French side Le Havre and impressed sufficiently to net a short-term deal.

Keegan, however, insisted the deal could be extended after three months.

"That deal is now done," Keegan told the club's website.

"He just has to have a medical and he will complete the formalities towards the end of this week.

"There will be a review in December and we will either extend the contract or he will become a free agent again and he will be in the same situation as he was when he came here.

"If he makes good progress then we will look to extend his stay. We will know him a lot better by then and he will know us a lot better too."

Kerkar had looked set to miss out on a deal after City chairman David Bernstein said the club had exhausted its funds to sign new players.

But the Algerian midfielder has been warned his first-team appearances will be restricted behind compatriot Benarbia and Berkovic.

Keegan added: "I like him. He covers us for Ali and Eyal and it is now up to him to force his way in.

"It is obviously not going to be easy for him because I don't envisage playing him in the same team as those two."