Chairman Jim May insists Sussex can still compete financially for top players as the county closes in on two “high-quality” signings.

Sussex are keen to strengthen their batting over the winter but have seen a number of targets join clubs in division one of the Championship.

Steven Davies switched to Somerset after leaving the Oval and Mark Stoneman opted to join Surrey from Durham having both been on Sussex’s radar.

It was a similar story last year when England all-rounder David Willey rejected an offer from Sussex and moved to Yorkshire from Northamptonshire instead.

Coach Mark Davis is aware of the need to bolster Sussex’s top order and has been working hard to identify alternative targets but admits it has been tough due to a limited budget and the county’s division two status.

May admits that money is tight at Hove as the county attempts to balance its the books after reporting losses for the past two years but is adamant Sussex are still willing to pay top dollar for the best players.

He said: “We have never missed out on anybody because of money. We are prepared to pay as much as anybody but for whatever reasons those players haven’t come to us.

“We are still looking to sign two high-quality players. It has been difficult, as it is every year, but I am very confident we will achieve that.”

Craig Cachopa and Fynn Hudson-Prentice have both been released since the end of last season with a decision on whether Ed Joyce will return to Hove next summer thought to be imminent. Joyce had suggested he would retire from county cricket at the end of last season after moving back to Ireland with his family but is considering an offer to play in the Championship only.

Meanwhile, Sussex have received more than 50 applicants to take over from chief executive Zac Toumazi when he retires at Chris