Zimbabwe international Ireland joined Gloucestershire in 2007

Gloucestershire fast bowler Anthony Ireland looks set to leave the county for Middlesex after formally turning down a new contract offer.

The 26-year-old Zimbabwean will become a free agent as of 1 October.

The club have confirmed they are still negotiating with batsman William Porterfield, paceman Gemaal Hussain and spinner Vikram Banerjee.

Chief executive Tom Richardson said: "We're keen to keep our best players but we won't get into an auction."

Meanwhile, Chris Dent has signed a three-year contract with the club.

The England Under-19 batsman, who is off to Australia to play club cricket in Perth for the winter, said: "I really enjoyed the season and hopefully I will come back from Australia fitter, stronger and ready to make more runs next summer."

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell added: "With the right ambition, his talents will be of value, not only to Gloucestershire, but to England in years to come."

A decision on the futures of Porterfield, Hussain and Banerjee are expected by Thursday.

They have already lost Steve Kirby, who has moved to Somerset to play Division One cricket.

606: DEBATE Whilst I understand that players have to earn a living it is rather annoying that as the club appears to be in a mess GlosGladiator

Hussain, 26, had an impressive season for Gloucestershire in County Championship Division Two.

He took 67 wickets at 22.34 but has also refused to sign a new contract at the club to date.

"I'm hopeful [on keeping him] because he's not a finished product," said Bracewell.

"Our conditioning staff have put together a magnificent programme for him.

"Gemaal's been a dedicated student to that so we'd be disappointed if we could not finish the project."

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