HAMPSHIRE are expected to land Test batsman John Crawley in the next few days, writes Dave King.

Crawley, who has won 29 England caps, was sacked as Lancashire captain last summer, and he is believed to have signed a three-year contract with the county.

His signing would be a major coup for chairman Rod Bransgrove, who seeks to establish Hampshire as a major force at their multi-million pound Rose Bowl home.

Last season they won promotion from Division Two of the County Championship and only just missed out on stepping up from the Norwich Union League.

With the Second XI also winning their title, the future looks good for Hampshire and the signing of 30-year-old Crawley wouldl considerably strengthen the county's batting line-up.

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes confirmed yesterday that Crawley had asked to leave Old Trafford with three years of a four-year contract to run.

By making the move south, Crawley, who would have been entitled to a benefit in two years' time, stands to lose around £350,000 tax-free income.

After losing the captaincy last summer because of Lancashire's poor run of form, Crawley is also understood to have been disappointed by the resignation of coach, Bob Simpson.

Cumbes said: "It's sad because John came to Old Trafford as a young lad and has been with us all through his career."

l Hampshire beneficiary John Stephenson looks set to join Essex next year.

The former Hampshire captain declined to comment on the move, but it is understood that he will return to the county he left in 1994 as both a player and coach.