Rikki Clarke's career has gone downhill after early success © Getty Images Enlarge

Rikki Clarke has emerged as the leading candidate to be Derbyshire's new captain after talks with Surrey over a new contract fell apart. Clarke has had discussions with John Morris, Derbyshire's director of cricket, about filling the role vacated by Simon Katich.

Clarke lost his place in the Surrey side for the last two months of the season after he managed 301 runs at 23 and 15 wickets at 42 in 10 Championship matches.

"I think taking on the captaincy will be the making of him," Morris told the Derby Telegraph. "We had a good meeting and Rikki was very positive. He has other options but I believe he is genuinely interested in what we were able to offer him."

Lancashire and Sussex are believed to be following developments, but a move to either of those counties wouldn't guarantee Clarke the first-team cricket he needs to re-launch a stalled career.

But although Derbyshire are well placed to secure Clarke, they have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Mahela Jayawardene after he signed up for the Indian Premier League.

"It's a pity because Mahela is really keen to try his hand at county cricket but it looks as if he will be involved in this Indian league," added Morris. "There are plenty of other overseas players to choose from and maybe we will get the chance to bring Mahela over some other time."