Langer plans another season at Somerset

Justin Langer's discussions are at an "advanced stage" © Getty Images

The Somerset captain Justin Langer is in talks with the county to sign a new one-year contract to extend his stay until 2008. Langer had a six-week stint at Taunton last year and agreed to captain Somerset following his international retirement after the 2006-07 Ashes in Australia.

"Justin has already publicly stated that he wants to come back and play for Somerset in 2008," Brian Rose, Somerset's director of cricket, told the county's official website.

"He is thoroughly enjoying his cricket with Somerset and has been making positive noises, in addition to which his family is enjoying their time over here in England as well."

Richard Gould, the chief executive at Somerset, said: "Discussions with Justin regarding his likely return to Somerset for next season are at an advanced stage and an official announcement will be made later this week." In 12 first-class matches for the county this season Langer has scored 953 runs at 59.56 and he has added another 555 in the one-day competitions.