Somerset aim to sign Middlesex pair

Somerset are in the process of signing the former Middlesex off-spinning allrounder Keith Dutch. Middlesex released Dutch at the end of last season despite his promise at second XI level, where he was the player of the year in 1999.

In a surprise move they have also given the beleaguered London club 14 days' notice that they intend to hold talks with Dutch's out-of-contract teammate Richard Johnson.

Johnson, 25, has been plagued by back trouble, but at his best is an England prospect. He came to prominence taking 10-45 against Derbyshire in 1994 when he was just 19 and won selection on the 'A tour to India that winter.

He was selected for the full England tour of South Africa, 1995-96, but was unable to travel due to a back complaint, and was replaced by Peter Martin.

His signing would be as big a coup for Somerset as it would be a loss to Middlesex.