Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard is expected to make a decision on his future early next week as he weighs up rival bids from Leicestershire and Sussex.
The 2005 Ashes winning bowler, 32, was released by his native Yorkshire in a shock move at the end of last season but has attracted interest from a handful of counties keen to draw on his vast experience in the domestic game.
Essex, Worcestershire and Middlesex were thought to be looking at Hoggard but the Foxes were first to make their interest known, while Sussex have joined the race with strong bid of their own.
Part of the reason for Hoggard's parting company with Yorkshire was believed to be the player's desire to sign a long-term contract, which the White Rose were unwilling to offer.
But both Leicestershire and Sussex have confirmed that they have offered the player a three-year contract.
A move to either club would represent a move down to Division Two of the LV County Championship but Hoggard, who was Yorkshire's top wicket-taker in the the top tier last season and spearheaded their successful fight against the drop, could expect to play a major part in all forms of the game for both clubs, something he has not been able to do in recent seasons.
Leicestershire chief executive David Smith told Press Association Sport: "We met with Matthew yesterday and showed him round the club but we don't expect anything to happen until early next week as Matthew will be taking the weekend to think about things.
"We have offered him the same (as Sussex), a three-year deal."
Smith's Sussex counterpart Dave Brooks had earlier told The Argus: "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.
"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."
Sussex, meanwhile, have set their sights on another bowler with proven international pedigree, after revealing they are eyeing out-of-favour England spinner Monty Panesar.
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Panesar, 27, missed out on selection for England's winter tour of South Africa and has been told he can leave Northamptonshire.
Despite his recent declining fortunes, Sussex are convinced the spinner would strengthen their bowling attack.
Brooks added: "When there are players of Monty's proven ability available I would expect (coach) Mark Robinson to be banging on my door to see what chances there are of us signing them. We are trying to improve our squad and he would definitely do that."
