Jones hits back at critic Boycott

Jones complained that Glamorgan did not use him enough in one-day games last season, and refused to rule out the possibility of moving to another club.

But Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin said: "We will work extremely hard to persuade Simon that this is where he should be playing his cricket.

"I'd like to think that's what he wants to do anyway. He's an iconic player."

Fast bowler Jones enjoyed a successful series for England in the recent 2-1 Test series win against South Africa.

The 26-year-old proved a number of critics wrong by finishing as England's third-best bowler with 15 wickets in four Tests.

Jones has only a year left on his current deal with Glamorgan and, with a number of potential suitors waiting in the wings, Fatkin is keen to wrap up contract negotiations by next week.

"We're hopeful and confident he'll be here," Fatkin told BBC Sport Wales.

"I know Robert [Croft, Glamorgan captain] has had conversations with Simon - very good, encouraging ones. I'm going to have a chat with him next week."

He added: "Simon is a key part of what we're trying to do over the next few years.

Simon is an iconic player... he's a prized asset Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin

"In terms of a good example of a player who comes right the way through the Glamorgan system and goes right to the top side, Simon is a living example of that.

"It's something we want to sort out as soon as possible and I'm sure Simon does as well.

"Clearly with him being away for a large chunk of the winter it's not been possible to have that sort of conversation.

"But we've been in touch with him since he's been back. He's been in and he seems in really good spirits.

"Simon is an iconic player. Glamorgan has only really produced three out-and-out quick bowlers in 40 years - Simon's dad [Jeff Jones], Greg Thomas and Simon himself.

"Therefore he's a prized asset. The fact that he's so Welsh suggests he would want to stay here and we've got to work hard to persuade him to do that."