Sussex want to sign Panesar

Panesar is free to join any county (GETTY IMAGES)

Sussex have revealed they are keen on signing Monty Panesar and still hopeful of persuading Matthew Hoggard to join them.

The former England team-mates are both available, with Panesar having been told he is free to leave Northamptonshire and Hoggard released by Yorkshire.

Panesar, 27, missed out on selection for England's winter tour of South Africa and no longer has an ECB central contract.

Despite his recent declining fortunes, Sussex are convinced the spinner would strengthen their bowling attack.

Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks told The Argus: "When there are players of Monty's proven ability available I would expect (coach) Mark Robinson to be banging on my door to see what chances there are of us signing them. We are trying to improve our squad and he would definitely do that."

Leicestershire are eager to sign Hoggard, 32, and like Sussex they have offered the seamer a three-year contract.

Brooks said: "As far as we are aware it is just us and Leicestershire who are left in the race - we are down to the last two.

"If you are serious about signing someone like Matthew you have to offer him the security of a three-year contract. It was one of the reasons why he left Yorkshire so it is the right thing to do."