Several of the Yorkshire players who are being released because of financial cutbacks are expected to be able to announce shortly that they have fixed up with new counties.

Not surprisingly, left-arm swing bowler Paul Hutchison has been eagerly sought after and has received approaches from at least ten counties.

Hutchison said that he had now shortlisted them down to two or three and would would be deciding soon on which offer to accept.

I understand that Glamorgan, Worcestershire and Warwickshire would all love to win the race for Hutchison's signature but it is by no means impossible that someone else may beat them to it.

Spinners James Middlebrook and Ian Fisher are also believed to be close to clinching deals and Gloucestershire are known to be keen on signing Fisher.

Fast bowlers Tom Baker and Greg Lambert have both had recent trials with interested counties, Lambert turning out for Derbyshire Seconds and Baker last week appearing for Northamptonshire Seconds.

So far, Yorkshire have announced the release of six players with first team experience and the club's general committee have had further discussions over whether any additional pruning is possible.

Updated: 09:15 Monday, September 10, 2001