Sussex target Monty Panesar

Sussex have expressed interest in signing Monty Panesar , whose career is now at a crossroads after a barren season. Panesar's county of birth, Northamptonshire, have told him he is free to leave.

"When there are players of Monty's proven ability available I would expect [coach] Mark Robinson to be banging on my door to see what chances there are of us signing them," Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks told the Argus. "We are trying to improve our squad and he would definitely do that."

Panesar, 27, was dropped from the England Test team after the first Ashes Test at Cardiff, despite his match-saving effort with the bat on a tense final evening, and lost his central contract. His spot as England's No.1 spinner has gone to Graeme Swann and in 13 County Championship matches this season Panesar took just 18 wickets at an expensive 59.44.