BILLERICAY Town are on the brink of signing former England international Paul Konchesky, the Echo understands.

The 35-year-old Gillingham defender is believed to be close to completing a move to the Ryman Premier League side, after he fell out of favour at the League One club.

Speculation was rife across social media yesterday about the potential signing of the former West Ham United and Liverpool defender, with Billericay owner Glenn Tamplin also intimating a big name player was to be unveiled.

Tamplin, who took over in December and has made a raft of big-name signings, said on his Twitter account: ‘#Bigbigbiggun just signed for BTFC’.

He added that the player is set to make his debut on Saturday at Harlow Town, and not tonight against Enfield Town.

When contacted by the Echo, Tamplin refused to confirm Konchesky was the new signing in question.

Konchesky has had a hugely successful career, and has cost more than £6million in transfer fees after moves to West Ham, Fulham and Liverpool.

He is also a Europa League runner-up with Fulham, FA Cup finalist with West Ham and has two England caps to his name - in 2003 and 2005.

He has made 29 appearances for Gillingham this season although has not been a regular starter under new manager Ady Pennock, who replaced former Billericay boss Justin Edinburgh in charge at the start of January.

Tamplin did confirm that Billericay had signed 20-year-old winger Mekhi McLeod from National League side Eastleigh.

“He will be a very good addition to Craig’s team (Billericay boss Craig Edwards),” said Tamplin. “We’re building a team that can win the National League South. He will be a part of that.”

McLeod will be in the squad to face Enfield Town tonight.