Shane Warne wants Simon Jones to spearhead Hampshire's attack next season.

Hampshire have been given permission to speak to Jones, whose ECB contract expires at the end of the season, by his county Glamorgan.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove has played down Hampshire's interest, while manager Paul Terry has admitted that signing Jones is "a possibility".

But captain Warne was unequivocal after an emphatic 294-run win against Worcestershire yesterday that keeps Hampshire firmly in the hunt for the Championship title.

Former England fast bowler Jones, who had a key role in the retaining of the Ashes in 2005, has struggled to make a full recovery from a knee injury and has only played four Championship matches this year.

But Warne is convinced that the 28-year-old can still be a major force.

He said: "We're approaching Simon Jones to see where he's at. Obviously fitness is an issue but we think he's a class act.

"When he wants to play and he's fit and raring to go he's one of the best going around and we like to think we can bring the best out in him.

"He's only 28 and he'll have six months off to get right for next season.

"Any club would like to have Simon Jones and as captain I'd love to have someone with that pace who can swing and reverse swing the ball like he can.

"Hopefully both parties can work out something and he can be a Hampshire player next year."