A UK work permit is one of the last steps required for Japanese international footballer Tadanari Lee to complete his move to Southampton football club.
The player is already in the process of training with the club, but in order to complete the transition the 26-year-old needs to receive confirmation of his UK work permit from the UK Border Agency.
It is unlikely that he will face too many problems receiving the necessary immigration paper work thanks to his impressive performance for Japan. The star has played for his country ten times and become well-known in his homeland after scoring the winning gold against Australia during the Asia Cup Final in 2011.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Southampton's manager Nigel Adkins remarked: “The work permit process is going to take time and have got to work through that but he has been training with us this week and has been made welcome.
"I actually highlighted him to the players last year after he scored an amazing winning goal in the Asian Cup final.”
Lee currently plays for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the J-League but arrived in London earlier this week to discuss to move to the English Championship League as an alternative path to his career.