HAMPSHIRE are in a two-way tussle with Kent to sign Kevin Pietersen - after Surrey played down their interest in the England new boy.
Off-spinning all-rounder Pietersen has revealed that he is likely to decide whether or not to join Hampshire in the next fortnight after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Notts.
The Natal-born 24-year-old is likely to make his one-day debut for England in Zimbabwe next month after qualifying under the four-year residency rule and his availability has sparked interest from several counties.
But Pietersen has expressed a desire to play in the first division of the county championship - and that puts Hampshire and Kent at the front of the queue.
Surrey were among the early favourites but coach Steve Rixon is aware that the 24-year-old could stunt the progress of other talented players at the Oval.
He said: "This boy can really play but if it means we are going to be eliminating an opportunity for a local boy like Rikki Clarke it is something we have to take consideration of."
Sussex, county champions in 2003, have refused to comment but are not thought to have the finances to attract Pietersen, while Kent are after replacements for Ed Smith, who has gone to Middlesex, and Alex Loudon, who has signed for Warwickshire.
Captain David Fulton said: "If a player of KP's quality comes on the market then we are going to be interested but it's too early to say what will happen.
"When we are interested in a new player we have to sit across a table with them and see if everything matches up."
Middlesex are not interested in signing Pietersen, who is not the only player being targeted by Hampshire.
Pietersen could be reunited with former Trent Bridge teammate Richard Logan, a 24-year-old seamer who took match figures of 8 for 90 as eventual Second Division winners Notts won a championship match inside two days at the Rose Bowl in June.
And Hampshire are also keen to sign rebel Zimbabwean all-rounder Sean Irvine, as the 22-year-old would qualify as a non-overseas player under the controversial Kolpak ruling.
The club's first signing of the off season is expected to be unveiled next week.
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