The 18-year-old Kinshasa-born defender came through the ranks at SkyBet League One side MK Dons before moving on to gain experience of senior football with Evo-Stik Southern League Premier outfit Dunstable Town.

Kioso has been in training with the club all week after being recommended to Bates and has done enough to impress the Pools hierarchy.

The young defender was at Victoria Park on Friday afternoon to sign and undergo a medical and is now expected to play some part in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly at Billingham Town.

Bates told https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk: “We’ve had Peter in since Monday after he was put to me by someone I trust in the game and I’ve been impressed.

“He’s only 18 coming up 19 but he’s fitted in with the lads during the week and has been one of the best trainers.

“Ideally, I wanted to see him in the game tomorrow but we played an 11 v 11 in training on Thursday and I just saw how good a player he was; he’s the right type, he can play anywhere across the back, brings balance and he’s a good age.

“He’s got a lot of improvement in him if he gets his head down. He seems to have a great attitude and he’s eager to learn so it’s going to be exciting to work him”.