Tahir and Chopra are Warwickshire's first signings of the winter

Warwickshire have stepped up their preparations for next season by signing Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir and Essex opening batsman Varun Chopra.

Tahir, 30, who has 382 first-class wickets, will be the Bears' overseas player for 2010.

Chopra, 22, a former captain of the England Under-19 side, has signed a three-year deal at Edgbaston after leaving his home county.

He played 48 first-class and 34 one-day games for Essex.

Tahir, who is also now qualified by marriage to play for South Africa, claimed 96 first-class wickets for Hampshire during two seasons at the Rose Bowl - 44 of those coming in just seven matches in 2008 as he helped them avoid relegation.

He has also had spells with Middlesex and Yorkshire.

Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles said: "Imran brings with him knowledge and experience that will add much to our young developing squad.

"Varun is a skilled young batsman with scope to develop further and we are delighted that he has chosen to commit his future to Warwickshire."

Chopra said: "The combination of joining one of the country's biggest clubs, playing at a Test match ground and working with Ashley Giles was too good an offer to refuse."

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