Rob Andrew has warned of the dangers of agents “tapping up” young players – after Sussex tied down another young star on a contact extension.

Fast bowler George Garton has extended his deal at Hove through to the end of the 2020 season.

Garton put pen to paper before heading Down Under, where he will link up with England for their Ashes tour game in Townsville tomorrow.

The 20-year-old is the 12th player to sign new or extended terms in the last two months.

Jofra Archer, Stuart Whittingham, Phil Salt and Abi Sakande are among those who have agreed long-term deals and Andrew knows such hot prospects will be targeted by other counties.

The Sussex chief executive told The Argus: “I think that is one of the issues cricket has been facing more than it ever has.

“We have seen a few movements of players within the season.

“Agents are active out there. Agents are doing things they probably shouldn’t be doing in terms of trying to tap-up players.

“Cricket has to look at that and get serious about that.

“It is why we have been so keen to sign up our young players for the next two or three years.

“We have just announced George Garton has signed up until 2020, Jofra is through until 2020.

“It is really important. We want to build our future around these guys.

“We don’t want to develop them and let someone else nick them.

“That is not how we are going to become successful.

“Market forces will dictate to a degree.

“That is why you want to try to have an environment where players want to be here and they can see they can be successful here.”