SUSSEX have made a ``substantial'' offer to Shane Warne to be their overseas player next season.

Sussex's offer is the first to be confirmed but several other counties are rumoured to be pursuing the Australian leg-spinner and he is doubtless taking time to consider all his options.

Tony Pigott, Sussex's chief executive, said that the county are expecting an answer at the end of the Ashes tour. ``A substantial offer has been made to Shane Warne and we are bound to face a bit of competition, but I've had talks with him directly and I am pretty optimistic,'' said Pigott.

Warne, at Taunton yesterday where the Australians' game with Somerset petered out into a rain-ruined draw, would not comment on the offer.

Steve Waugh, who captained the Australians at Taunton, was not surprised at the interest in Warne.

``He is a big name and now he has a wife and a child to support it makes sense that he should be looking to earn some more money,'' said Waugh.