Batty keeping options open

Gareth Batty could soon be on his way out of Worcestershire after he was given permission to speak to other counties

England one-day spinner Gareth Batty has been given permission by Worcestershire to speak to other counties.

The 31-year-old player has one more season left of his current contract.

Warwickshire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire and his previous county Surrey are all understood to be interested in signing Batty.

Batty, who played in one-day internationals against West Indies in the winter, has had a disappointing season in the LV= County Championship with the Royals.

He was dropped for the game with Warwickshire which ended on Monday in a nine-wicket defeat - although his one-day form has been more encouraging.

But being axed had no bearing on Batty’s decision to seek a possible move after holding talks with Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton.

Worcestershire wicketkeeper Steven Davies has already rejected the chance to sign a new three-year contract despite the county meeting all his demands.

The England Lions star wants to keep his options open until the end of the season with Surrey having already given 28 days’ notice of approach to speak to the player.