Middlesex hopeful of bringing Fleming to Lord's

Middlesex are lining up New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as their overseas player for next season.

Fleming would replace skipper Justin Langer who will be touring England with Australia next summer.

Middlesex's chief executive Vinny Codrington says Fleming could join the club within the next two weeks. "I have spoken to Steve and he is very confident that he will sign before Christmas," he told the London Evening Standard.

Fellow New Zealander Chris Cairns had been Middlesex's target but a knee problem scuppered the move.