FORMER ENGLAND batsman Aftab Habib is expected to make Hampshire his fourth county.

Habib, 32, was targeted by Hampshire three years ago before leaving Leicestershire for Essex.

But after a couple of lean years at Chelmsford Habib, who has a first class average of 42.52, has turned down the offer of a new one-year contract to stay for a fourth season.

Hampshire are discussing potential new signings this week and Habib who began his career at Middlesex, is high on their wanted list following the departure of Will Kendall, who has retired.

New signings are unlikely to be confirmed for another six weeks but Essex captain Ronnie Irani has admitted his sadness at the loss of Berkshire-based right hander Habib, who played two Tests against New Zealand in 1999.

He said: "Aftab is looking for a longer-term deal than we can offer him. The player is seeking a bit of long-term security and a couple of counties are said to be showing interest in him."

Hampshire are also discussing the futures of out-of-contract players like Lawrie Prittipaul and James Hamblin, but know that adding to their batting resources is a must if they are to make an impact in the first division of the county championship next year.

As well as Habib, talented young Worcestershire batsman Kadeer Ali has also been linked with a move to the Rose Bowl. The cousin of England star Kabir has had few chances to impress at New Road and Terry has already worked with the 21-year-old at his academy in Perth.

Meanwhile, Rose Bowl plc managing director Nick Pike has insisted that stewards will take adopt a common sense approach during the ICC Champions Trophy, despite reports that unaffiliated food logos will be banned from the ground.

He said: "They will certainly not be confiscating bags of competitive brand crisps. But should a group of people arrive deliberately wearing T-shirts strongly branded with Coca Cola, then as Pepsi is a main sponsor we don't consider it would be construed as unreasonable to take suitable action."

More than 4,000 tickets for the Rose Bowl's first game between India and Kenya on Saturday are still available.