Somerset have revealed the identity of one of the players that they are hoping to sign to help them gain promotion back to the top flight of the county championship and NCL next season.

Earlier this morning at the County Ground chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "We have given fourteen days notice to Middlesex County Cricket Club about approaching Aaron Laraman who is currently out of contract."

The twenty three year old enjoyed a successful 2002 season, scoring 330 runs at an average of 33 in his eleven championship matches, and taking 27 wickets with his right arm medium fast bowling at a cost of just over 34 runs each.

Laraman also enjoyed success in the NUL for Middlesex and opened the batting on several occasions in the white ball game.

Coach Kevin Shine told me: "We are looking to improve the quality of our squad and we believe that Aaron Laraman could turn into a highly effective all rounder. At 6ft 5 inches tall this type of quick bowling hard hitting batsman is what we are looking for."

In addition to Laraman it is known that the Cidermen are in discussions with two other players from the English domestic scene, but as yet their identities have not been disclosed.

© SOMERSET