Leicestershire are targetting exciting Indian batsman Virender Sehwag as one of their overseas signings for next season.

The 23-year-old opener has been offered a contract at Grace Road and Leicestershire's general manager James Whitaker confirmed: "We are in negotiations with the player and his agent."

If Leicestershire can complete the deal it will be a major coup, because there is no doubt that the brilliant Sehwag would be a real crowd pleaser in all forms of cricket.

The county's move for Sehwag is part of a big shake-up at Grace Road which will also see a change in the captaincy for next season.

Iain Sutcliffe, named " Player of the Year " this season has been offered the job in place of Vince Wells who has skippered the side for the last three seasons. Wells,37, has been offered a one-year contract as a player.

Whitaker said: "Vince has done a very good job over the last three years, but we just felt at this time that we wanted to invite Iain to be captain.He has done a good job when he has stood in for Vince."

Veteran fast-bowler Devon Malcolm - he will be 40 in February - has been offered a new one-year deal and Darren Stevens a three-year contract.

But experienced wicket-keeper Neil Burns, second team 'keeper Steve Adshead, off-spinner Carl Crowe and young batsman Ashley Wright are being released.

© Leicestershire CCC