''Suree will be the first Thai player to play in the Premier League. His work permit is now being processed,'' Noppadon Pattama, lawyer for City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, said in Bangkok yesterday.

Suree, 25, who plays at right-back, is one of three Thai players currently on trial with Manchester City. The other two are Kiatprawut Saiwaew and Teerasil Dangda.

Suree was always regarded as the most likely of the trio to earn a place on City's books after impressive performances recently for Thailand and his club team, Chon Buri.

Thailand coach Chanvit Phalajivin is in Manchester and said: ''It is a good news and a great boost for Thai players who dream of playing in the Premiership.

''I think Suree will probably be back-up for (Vedran) Corluka.

''They also have a promising 19- year-old from their academy. But of course it all comes down to what manager Sven-Goran Eriksson decides.''