LANCASHIRE chairman Jack Simmons is running out of patience in the club's attempt to sign Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh for next season.

The Turbanator, who was surprisingly left out of India's team for the First Test at Lord's last week, is keen to come to Old Trafford, but he is still waiting for clearance from the Indian cricket authorities.

"We've been told it might be two months, but I'm sorry I won't wait that long," said Simmons.

"The cricket committee are meeting on Friday and we'll find out where we are. But my views will be that either he makes a decision soon or he doesn't. If we wait two months and then he says no, where does that leave us with regard to signing a second overseas player?"

Lancashire want Harbhajan to join Stuart Law, who is in the first of a two-year contract.

Meanwhile Lancashire hope to welcome back Peter Martin and Kyle Hogg for Saturday's tough trip to Gloucestershire, the leaders of the Second Division of the Norwich Union National League.

Martin missed the Championship win against Hampshire with a side strain but manager Mike Watkinson is hopeful that he will be fit in time for the trip to Bristol.

And Hogg, who has taken seven wickets in Lancashire's last two National League games twice beating his career best, is back from England under-19 duty after continuing his impressive form in their first "Test" against India in Cardiff.

Hogg took four wickets in India's first innings and scored some handy runs, although he failed to add to his 37 in the second innings yesterday, going first ball before the match was washed out as a draw.

But the 18-year-old will be unavailable for Lancashire's next Championship match at home to Hampshire with the under-19s again taking priority - despite an official request from Watkinson for him to be released.