Chief executive Dennis Amiss confirmed that ``tentative inquiries'' had been made through the West Indian batsman's London agents. But Amiss added: ``The 1998 season is a long way off - and we certainly wouldn't want Brian back unless he was hungry to play county cricket again.''
Lara helped Warwickshire to a record-breaking treble in 1994 but decided not to return this summer after complaining of 'burn out' through playing too much cricket.
Warwickshire replaced him with all-rounder Shaun Pollock and next season they welcome back Allan Donald for probably his last campaign in county cricket. The fast bowler is likely to be touring England with South Africa in 1998.
* Andrew Caddick, the England pace bowler, has agreed a five-year contract with Somerset.