Nottingham-born Sam Cliff suffered a stress fracture in his back last season

Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase says injury-plagued seamer Sam Cliff is trying to win a new deal despite being released last year.

Cliff, 23, was let go when his contract expired last summer, but will now rejoin the squad during pre-season.

Whitticase told BBC Radio Leicester: "We know what type of player we have if Sam's fit and everything is going well and his recovery is on track.

"He will link in with us in pre-season and we'll see how he progresses."

Whitticase is also looking for cover in the wicket-keeping department.

Paul Dixey is joining on trial after being released by Kent and Ned Eckersley is another player being looked at.

"Paul will join up with his mid-March," added Whitticase. "He has a good record.

The options are there for us and at this stage of the year the phones are always ringing Phil Whitticase

"I knew him as a young England Under-17s keeper because I worked with him there, so I know what type of keeper he is.

"That will give us potential cover for Tom New and we still have Paul Nixon on the staff.

"We were concerned that we needed cover in certain areas and it will be down to Paul Dixey to earn a contract if his performances are good enough.

"We've also looking at Ned Eckersley, a wicket-keeper who is a very fine batsman.

"The options are there for us and at this stage of the year the phones are always ringing.

"It's great that the contacts are there and we have players to look at."

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