Leicestershire seek Hoggard deal

Matthew Hoggard had hoped to stay with Yorkshire

Leicestershire are to hold talks with former Yorkshire and England seam bowler Matthew Hoggard in the "coming days", reports BBC Radio Leicester.

Hoggard, 32, was not offered a new contract by Yorkshire when his deal expired at the end of last season.

Leicestershire chief executive David Smith confirmed: "Our head coach Tim Boon will talk with Matthew.

"The two know each other very well from their England days when Tim worked with Duncan Fletcher for four years."

Hoggard made his county debut for Yorkshire - his only club in domestic cricket - in 1996.

606: DEBATE If we do get him (seriously doubt we will due to our chronic lack of money) this could be excellent news NJDevilMatt

He was the county's leading wicket-taker for the 2009 season, with 46 first-class scalps at an average of 32.

But the seamer, who played the last of his 67 Tests for England in March 2008 and lost his central contract later that year, was left unhappy when negotiations over a new deal broke down.

Speaking on Monday, he told BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm looking for a job. I'm still fit, I didn't miss any games last year through injury.

"I'm the leading wicket-taker, I've got a lot to offer and my experience is second to none in the County Championship."

Leicestershire have struggled in recent seasons, and finished bottom of Division Two in the County Championship last season.

They have been criticised for signing South Africans in recent years, but have also lost some of their best homegrown players - like Stuart Broad and Luke Wright - to counties who can offer more money.