Simon Jones joined Worcestershire from Glamorgan in 2007

Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell says the county are "front-runners" to sign Simon Jones - but only if he passes a fitness test at the Swalec Stadium.

Paceman Jones, 30, has been dogged by a persistent knee problem since helping inspire England to their Ashes win over Australia in 2005.

He left Glamorgan for Worcestershire two years ago but has been released after needing more surgery in April.

"Simon is a Glamorgan player and should be back here," Russell told BBC Sport.

"We are not talking about a pay-for-play contract and I would not show such a lack of trust in Simon as to suggest that.

"What we have suggested to Simon is that he needs to be in a position where he can pass the same kind of fitness test that the others pass at the beginning of the season.

"Then he will be offered a contract that's appropriate to his status and ability."

Welshman Jones took 42 wickets at an average of 18.02 to help Worcestershire win promotion to County Championship Division One last season and was named in England's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.

606: DEBATE Give your views on Jones' possible return

However, injury ended his season prematurely and Jones' 2009 campaign never got started as he underwent an operation to have fluid drained from his injured knee in April.

"I have always said I did not want to leave," said Jones, who spent nine years at Glamorgan after graduating through the academy at his home-county club.

"But it was one of those situations where I felt I had to go for my own good and for developing my cricket.

"I don't think what happened a couple of years ago would affect any decision to come back to Glamorgan, although I would have to speak to a couple of people.

"Two years is quite a long time but I would not have any problems coming back."

Jones has also been linked with a move to Hampshire, but Russell insists Glamorgan are leading the race.

"We don't want Simon to be Superman, we want Simon to be in the position of other players which is fit to begin the season," added Russell.

"We would be defenceless against the accusation of being financially reckless if we were to offer Simon a playing contract if he were unable to prove to us that he had overcome his injury problems."

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