The left-hander last month rejected a new three-year contract and the chance to captain the club next season.

Sutcliffe's availability attracted interest from a number of counties, with Lancashire, Somerset and Nottinghamshire thought to be leading the chase.

His agent told BBC Sport Onine that he expected the 27-year-old's future to be sorted out in the next two weeks.

Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson told BBC Sport Onlinethat he had received an approach from a representative acting on Sutcliffe's behalf.

But Watkinson said there had been no further contact following that initial conversation.

Somerset coach Kevin Shine confirmed that they had made an offer to Sutcliffe and were awaiting his response.

It looks unlikely, meanwhile, that the 27-year-old will be heading for Trent Bridge.

"We were interested in Iain and I've spoken to his agent. However, he has made it quite clear that he is not interested in joining us," said Notts manager Mick Newell.