Hampshire have been given permission to talk to Simon Jones

Chairman Paul Russell told BBC Sport Wales that the county would love to keep Jones, but only if it was financially viable.

Russell could not confirm if the English county had been in touch with the 28-year-old Ashes star.

"I can confirm that Hampshire have been given permission to speak to Simon, but am unaware of any approach," he said.

Interview: Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell

Jones has rarely turned out for the county over the past two years, with knee and calf injuries preventing him from playing.

And while Glamorgan would be keen to keep a fit Jones, an unfit player would be an unnecessary burden for a county who are not as financially stable as some.

We can afford Simon... but it is question of us getting value for money Paul Russell

Jones' central contract is due to expire at the end of the current season and it is unlikely that the 2005 England Ashes hero will be offered another one by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

That would leave Glamorgan having to pick up the financial burden of Jones' county contract, something the cash-strapped club may struggle to do.

Hampshire, who currently have England batsman Kevin Pietersen and fast-bowler Chris Tremlett on their books, have been keeping an eye on Jones' situation and are expected to talk to the Welshman.

However, with Glamorgan's Sophia Gardens due to host one of five Ashes matches in the 2009 series, Russell is fully aware how important it would be to have Glamorgan representation in the England side.

He said: "It is enormously important to keep Simon at Glamorgan but what we cannot do is put the county at financial risk.

606: DEBATE With his central contract soon to end, it will be interesting to see where Jones sees his future extratime

"The major objective for Simon is to get back into the England set-up so that he is playing in the 2009 Ashes series.

"We can afford Simon, we are pulling ourselves out of financial difficulties, but it is a question of us getting value for money.

"He is a valuable icon of the county and we have put it to Simon that we think it would be best for his development if he stays at Glamorgan.