Sussex are expected to announce over the weekend that they have signed Yorkshire left-arm swing bowler Paul Hutchison on a three-year contract.

Although Glamorgan and Warwickshire have been to the fore among the counties keen to sign Hutchison, I understand that he has finally agreed terms with Sussex who currently lead the Second Division and are assured of promotion.

Hutchison, 24, who learned his cricket at Pudsey St Lawrence, made his debut for Yorkshire in 1996 and went on to take 143 first class wickets.

He is one of six players who have already been released by Yorkshire - and the list may not yet be complete.

Updated: 09:03 Friday, September 14, 2001