Vaughan move talk played down

With the early success of Kevin Pietersen's England captaincy, Michael Vaughan's reign suddenly feels a very long time ago. Vaughan has returned to action following the break he took after resigning, but has continued to struggle for runs while rumours circulate that he is considering a change of counties.

Warwickshire and Hampshire - Pietersen's county - are two sides Vaughan has been linked to, but Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said he hadn't made an approach. "It doesn't surprise me that the link has been made at this time but I haven't spoke to Michael since he resigned," he told BBC Radio Solent. "Every time any player gets remotely available he gets associated with us."

This is the time of the season when contracts come up for renewal and squads are strengthened. It's not quite the Premiership transfer window, but that doesn't stop a lot of speculation.

Earlier this week, after falling for 19 against Sussex, Vaughan aimed to quash the rumours. "I am not sure where the speculation is coming from, but I am getting fed up with it. I am just trying to find some form with Yorkshire."

When Vaughan stepped down as captain he made it clear he wanted to continue his international career as a batsman with a view to playing in the Ashes next year. "I'll still have all the experience and knowledge to pass on and I hope to be a valuable player for both my county and the England team," he said.

However, his three Championship innings for Yorkshire since he returned have brought scores of 10, 0 and 19 to continue a poor run of form stretching back most of the summer. In his last eight first-class innings he hasn't passed 21 and, even though England won't name their Test squad until September 29, it seems highly unlikely he will make the India tour. Vaughan could also lose his central contract when the new 12-month deals are announced at Lord's on Tuesday.