WORCESTERSHIRE today denied that they are in talks with star Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar.

A newspaper report from Pakistan suggested the player was 'negotiating a new deal' with the County.

New Road chief executive Mark Newton said there was no truth in the report, adding: "There are many rumours going round at the moment but I can assure you we are not negotiating with Akhtar.

"Our priority is to settle the captaincy and overseas players issues but there is nothing imminent."

Akhtar, known as the 'Rawlpindi Express', did not return to Pakistan with his team-mates and stayed in England after their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final defeat against West Indies.