Gough has shared in Essex's success in the past two seasons

Pace bowler Gough has spent the last three seasons with Essex and has been offered a new contract by the club.

But it now appears likely he will turn that down amid rumours that he may be given the Yorkshire captaincy.

"It would be disappointing if we lost Darren. He's a huge character in the game and has done a great job for us," Essex chief David East told BBC Sport.

Interview: Essex chief David East

"Particularly in one-day cricket, he's made an invaluable contribution - we've won the Totesport trophy twice in the three years that he's been with us - and also he's a great dressing room presence.

606 DEBATE: Will Gough go?

"He'll be missed, there's no question, but we've lost players in the past and continued to progress. If that is the case, then so be it."

It was only a month ago that Essex insisted Gough had expressed an intention to play for the club during the 2007 season.

But things have changed in the intervening period as Yorkshire look to end the uncertainty over their plans for the new season in the wake of Sussex skipper Chris Adams's decision to turn down a move to Headingley.

East said Gough was "perfectly at liberty" to go and play for whoever he wished.

He added: "We offered him a contract late last summer and were very hopeful that he would be signing it this winter but that didn't happen and now he appears to be in negotiation with others.

"We're just waiting to see what's going to happen and we expect to know in the very near future."