ESSEX skipper James Foster has been permission to talk to Hampshire about a possible move to the south coast county.

The 31-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman has been told he can explore contract options with Hampshire after Essex received a formal notification from them requesting permission to approach him.

David East, Essex Cricket chief executive, said: “We have offered James an extended contract and very much want him to carry on playing for us in the future.

“He has been with Essex for his entire professional career and it would be hugely disappointing if he was to leave at this time.”

Essex head coach Paul Grayson added: “We want him to stay but we have given Hampshire an early opportunity to speak with James so we can understand as soon as possible where we are with this.

“We see him as an integral part of our club and strongly feel we have made him a good offer to remain at Essex. We clearly do not want to lose his services and want him to remain with us until the end of his career, but the decision is now for him to make.”