LAWRIE PRITTIPAUL is ready to accept a new one year deal to stay at Hampshire.

Out-of-contract batsman Prittipaul, 24, is playing only his fifth championship match of the season but has shot down speculation linking him with Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Prittipaul, pictured left, said: "We've had a few meetings and I've been told I'm likely to get another year, which is nice to know.

"There are always rumours - it was the same this time last year with Glamorgan.

"But my heart's always been with Hampshire.

"It's my home and where I want to be until I finish - I'd be sorry to have to go."

Portsmouth-born Prittipaul has been given the backing of Shane Warne whenever he has played this season.

He added: "I know Shane believes in me and I want to pay him back for that belief.

"He's become a good friend and a great motivator.

"Playing under him is awesome - he lifts your game and lifts your spirit.

"He makes us all up for it and doesn't let the opposition take control of the game.

"He brings out the best in you and I really look up to him. We want to win every session for him.

"Every ball is very important - he helps make the days go quicker and makes you concentrate a bit better."

Prittipaul, who has made nine and four at Grace Road this week, added: "I've done okay when I've played, except this game at Leicester.

"I think I've played as well as I've ever done and am understanding myself a bit better on and off the field. And I can only improve."

Prittipaul is out of contract along with the likes of Chris Benham, Kevin Latouf, Shaun Udal, James Hamblin, and Greg Lamb and Hampshire will make their final decisions on out of contract players in the next two weeks.