Neil Johnson looks set finally to put pen to paper for Hampshire next week; as reported in The News, Portsmouth; and two more players are poised to join him.

The Zimbabwean has been playing in South Africa for Western Province since the end of the English season but is now ready to return as the county's overseas players in time for next season.

Johnson had an outstanding year with the bat, topping the averages and becoming the only Hampshire player to pass the magical 1,000-run mark for the campaign, as well as taking 23 wickets.

He could be joined by two as yet unnamed first division players who have held talks with director of cricket and coaching Tim Tremlett during the past few weeks.

Although the club are keeping tight-lipped over the identities, one is a batsman and the other a bowler.

Skipper Robin Smith remains convinced that should the signings come off he will have two world-class acquisitions to follow Johnson.

He said; "Neil seems quite happy with everything and hopefully something will be sorted in the next two or three days.

"He was superb in his first season with us and it would be a tremendous boost to have him back for another year as our overseas player.

"We are also speaking to two very high-profile players and if they agree to the move I think they will be of huge benefit to the club.

"If you want to be successful you have got to look at strengthening all the time. We want to continue to improve and get even better and these players fit the bill.

"There are always going to be injuries and call-ups so you need to have the squad who will cope with that and still be able to get you the results on the field."

© The News, Portsmouth