SUSSEX have emerged as Lancashire's main rivals in the race to sign Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Lancashire are understood to have made an offer to the Turbanator, but he will also meet Sussex officials in Brighton tomorrow.

Like Lancashire, Sussex see Harbhajan as one of the world's best spinners, and with his additional batting and fielding ability, an ideal overseas player for county cricket.

But neither county will want to get into an auction for the tall Sikh, who is still waiting for clearance to play a season in England from the Indian authorities.

Meanwhile Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons has expressed his disappointment at Lord MacLaurin's announcement that he will be stepping down as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board to concentrate on his other business interests.

"Ian is highly respected around the world and we will definitely miss his stature," said Simmons.