Yorkshire on brink of another signing

4:50pm Tuesday 21st October 2008

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Following Deon Kruis’ shock return to Headingley at the end of last week, Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan revealed there is still plenty of business to be concluded regarding Tykes’ playing staff.

Regan, who withdrew an original contract offer to the South African bowler via text earlier this month, offered an olive branch by giving him the option of a new one-year deal.

Kruis re-signed on Friday, two days after Anthony McGrath was announced as the club’s new captain, and he will not be the last to put pen to paper.

“We will have a new bowler in place in the next couple of weeks,” confirmed Regan. “And that won’t be an overseas player.”

Yorkshire’s pace bowling armoury is still the area that needs most attention and it will be boosted by a current county cricketer.

Regan also revealed he is currently in discussions with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan’s agent, with the Pakistani’s involvement in the Indian Cricket League causing major problems.

Overseas bowler Rana is contracted to the county for another year but his involvement in the rebel Indian league means if he turns out for Yorkshire next season they will be banned from taking part in the Champions League should they qualify.

“He could still play for us but then we’d find ourselves in a similar situation to the one Kent found this season,” confirmed Regan.

“We’re talking to his agent to get the best possible solution for both parties. Ideally we want to go into next season knowing we can qualify for the Champions League.”

Yorkshire have set their sights on South African pace bowler Morne Morkel, the man who spent a very brief spell with them in early May, as a back-up plan.

“He is someone we’re very, very interested in but he’d not be available until the back end of the season,” said Regan, adding he and Martyn Moxon will , if needed, be happy to go into 2009 without an overseas player.