WORCESTERSHIRE today poured cold water on speculation that they are battling to keep three of their batsmen at New Road.

The trio being linked with possible moves are Anurag Singh, Kadeer Ali and Philip Weston.

The speculation, however, has come as a surprise to the County's chief executive Mark Newton.

Regarding England Under 19 star Kadeer he said: "He has a further year on his contract and we are still discussing final terms for next year."

Of Singh, he added: "He also has another year on his contract and has verbally agreed a one-year extension and terms for next year."

Newton admitted, however, that Weston's future at New Road is in doubt. He said: "He has a year left on his contract, but we know he is having discussions with other counties. We are happy he does, but at this stage he is not leaving."

Weston, who failed to cement his spot in the first team for much of last season, is being linked with Gloucestershire, while Somerset are understood to be interested in Kadeer.

Weston, who made his County debut in 1991, paid the price for extra competition for places following the signing of Ben Smith from Leicestershire and Stephen Peters from Essex.

Kadeer had an impressive campaign for England Under 19s this year but his only first team appearance came in the County's final Norwich Union League Division One game of the season.

Lancashire, Somerset and Leicestershire are said to be keen on Singh, who passed 1,000 first-class runs for the second consecutive year.