GLOUCESTERSHIRE are facing a battle to hold on to seam bowling ace Gemaal Hussain after local rivals Worcestershire lodged an official 28-day approach.

Hussain has been offered a new contract by Gloucestershire with his current deal expiring at the end of the season but the County Championship’s leading wicket taker will be allowed permission to speak to Worcestershire and is also believed to be attracting the interest of Warwickshire, Surrey and Middlesex.

The 26-year-old was spotted by Jack Russell last year and has taken 64 first class wickets this season.

Gloucestershire have also made contract offers to seam bowler Anthony Ireland, batsman Will Porterfield and left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee and boosted their ranks for next season by signing New Zealand all-rounder James Fuller.