Paceman Brett Lee would be a massive signing for Essex

With no deals in place for any overseas players for 2006, the Guardian claimed the club were "considering" offering the fast bowler �250,000 for a year.

It would make him probably the highest paid player ever in county cricket.

Essex chief executive David East said at the end of last season: "We will be looking long and hard at our playing staff - particularly in fast bowling."

The Chelmsford club won the National League title in 2005 but failed to win promotion in the County Championship, which had been the main target.

Brett Lee would be a very good signing for Essex From T Baird Have your say on TMS

Kiwi Andre Adams did not take as much wickets as the club would have liked and has not yet been re-signed by Essex.

East said: "Our strategy will be a combination of encouraging our young fast bowlers to come forward and make a difference but also if a quality bowler becomes available then he will be someone we will have to seriously consider."

Lee has not played county cricket before, though his older brother Shane played for Somerset and Worcestershire.

Previously, counties have been warned off by Cricket Australia when making approaches to Brett Lee.