Surrey are targeting Matthew Nicholson, who played for Northamptonshire during the 2006 season, to lead their attack in the first division of the County Championship next season.

The club have yet to confirm that Nicholson is on board but Roger Harman, Surrey's chairman of cricket, told the Surrey Advertiser: “We are after a quick bowler as our second overseas player alongside Azhar Mahmood as we feel the squad needs extra strength in that department.”

Elsewhere within the Surrey team, Tim Murtagh has been given permission to speak to other counties even though he has a year left on his contract, while Jimmy Ormond has been offered a new deal despite playing just 12 matches in the last two seasons.

Alan Butcher, the Surrey manager, said: “Jimmy is training every day and we have offered him a new contract, so it’s up to him now. A couple of other counties have expressed an interest.”

Young offspinner Simon King has been offered a contract for next summer while batsmen Arun Harinath, Matt Spriegel and Laurie Evans have gained apprenticeships.