Last Updated: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:10
Matthew Hoggard is set to reveal which county he will be joining next week with Leicestershire and Sussex battling for his signature.
The former England seamer, who was harshly dumped from the international set-up in early 2008, was released by Yorkshire at the end of the summer after failing to agree terms on a new deal at Headingley.
The 32-year-old's version of events surrounding his Yorkshire exit differ from those of the county's board, who say they offered Hoggard a new contract midway through the 2009 season.
The 2005 Ashes winner denies that and says the offer was withdrawn, leaving him no option than to seek another county for the 2010 campaign.
Suitors were quick to come forward and it has emerged that Leicestershire and Sussex are now in a straight fight to secure the services of the fast-medium seamer next year.
Both counties have offered the Yorkshireman a three-year deal, something his previous employees were apparently unwilling to do, and Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks believes there is no risk in offering the long-term contract, despite Hoggard's age.
"As far as we are aware it is just us and Leicestershire who are left in the race - we are down to the last two," he said.
"If you are serious about signing someone like Matthew you have to offer him the security of a three-year contract. It was one of the reasons why he left Yorkshire so it is the right thing to do."