Somerset target de Bruyn

Somerset are hoping to secure the services of Zander de Bruyn, the South African allrounder, as a Kolpak player. The club are waiting for the outcome of a meeting a Lord's to discuss his registration.

de Bruyn has played three Tests for South Africa, the last of which was against England at Port Elizabeth in 2004. He has had a previous stint in county cricket with Worcestershire and remains a consistent performer on the South African domestic scene.

"Zander comes highly recommended by both Jimmy Cook and Neil McKenzie, who has played alongside him," Brian Rose, Somerset's director of cricket, told the club's website. "He fills the role that Cameron White and Neil McKenzie filled for us last year in tha he will come in at number five, either when the second new ball is being taken or when we need somebody who can stay at the wicket."

In the 2007-08 SuperSport series de Bruyn made 712 runs at 39.55 and also managed 12 wickets at 42.

Somerset have Justin Langer as their overseas player for 2008 as they aim to build on their promotion to Division One of the Championship.