BALA TOWN have secured their fifth signing of the summer as Raul Correia becomes the latest player to join the club.

The striker, who will wear the number nine shirt for the Cymru Premier side in 2020-21, has joined The Lakesiders from National League North club Southport FC.

The Anglo-Portuguese forward has also previously represented the likes of Chorley, York City and Blackpool.

Correia's most prolific season to date came in 2016/2017 when he managed to bag 11 goals in 22 appearances for Radcliffe Borough.

The 27-year-old was described by Liam Watson, then manager of Southport as 'everything we’re looking for in a striker', adding that he was 'powerful, direct and has got loads of pace'.

Correia will look to strengthen Bala's attacking options as the club prepares for a return to European football when they take on Valletta FC in the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League on August 27.

Speaking on signing the forward, Bala manager Colin Caton said: "We’ve chased Raul’s signature since he played against us in a pre-season friendly with Southport last season. He’s a big strong boy, he’s quick, and it adds to our striking options, as we only had four strikers at the club and we need more really, to allow us to rotate the team over the season.

"I've been a big admirer of Raul as I watched him play a lot for Southport last season, and went over there to watch, he’s a Manchester based lad, so he’ll be able to travel in with Lassana (Mendes), and their good friends as well.

"He’s gonna be a good signing and a good asset, and whichever striker stakes a claim over the season, Raul will add competition to them places and he gives us different dynamics of how we can play him in the team. He’s young, fit and athletic and his aerial strength is good as well, so he’ll be fighting for his place with the other strikers at the club. It’s great to have him onboard”.

Correia is Caton's fifth signing of the summer after Will Evans (Cardiff Met), Alex Ramsay (Caernarfon), Nathan peate (Cefn Druids) and Llyr Morris (Ruthin) all signed on at Maes Tegid.