Hamilton-Brown will talk to Surrey (From The Argus)

Hamilton-Brown will talk to Surrey

9:00am Wednesday 9th December 2009 in Cricket News By Bruce Talbot

Sussex remain confident of keeping all-rounder Rory Hamilton-Brown despite today giving him permission to talk to Surrey about becoming their captain.

Talks are expected to take place next week when the 22-year-old returns from South Africa where he has been with the England Performance Squad.

Sussex have offered Hamilton-Brown an improved three-year contract but the lure of skippering his home county may be too much for him to resist.

Sussex chairman Jim May said: "The position of Sussex remains unchanged in that we have no wish to see a player of Rory's potential leave the club, and our immediate aim is to agree an extended contract with him.

"However, we recognise that to achieve this aim it is appropriate to give Rory time to talk to Surrey about their opportunity.

"At this stage the club have granted permission to talk only. We remain strongly of the view that Rory's cricket development is best served by remaining at Sussex and we will be meeting him subsequent to his meetings with Surrey to discuss matters further."