Hampshire target Warne for Twenty20

Hampshire are in discussions to sign Shane Warne, their former captain, for next season's Twenty20 Cup. Warne led Hampshire from 2004 to 2007 and Rod Bransgrove, the chairman, confirmed that the club had made an approach.

"Warne is the biggest name we've ever had at the club and, yes, we have spoken to him," he told the Daily Mail. "You can never rule out getting Warne back to Hampshire, although he's very busy and I wonder whether he'd get out of bed for the money we can offer."

Since retiring from international cricket in 2007, Warne has captained Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, winning the inaugural event with a young and relatively unknown side. He is also involved in a host of other activities, starring in the TV commentary box in this year's Ashes, as well as playing international poker tournaments.

In an effort to raise the profile of England's Twenty20 Cup competition, counties will be able to include four overseas players in their squads next season but only two will be allowed in each game. Middlesex signed Adam Gilchrist earlier in the week and are hoping to sign Sachin Tendulkar.

Hampshire, have already secured Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lanka spinner, creating the prospect of an exciting pairing with Warne, but Bransgrove said Hampshire have other options.

"Hampshire have also had talks with other big-name players that are reasonably well advanced. I've been talking about the potential of Twenty20 for some time and getting these superstars in is what it's all about."