Hamilton-Brown left Surrey for Sussex in 2007

Sussex chairman Jim May has described Surrey's formal approach for Rory Hamilton-Brown as "unwelcome".

The Brown Caps want the 22-year-old all-rounder as their captain for 2010.

May said: "The approach is unwelcome and the timing very unfortunate. We had already offered Rory a contract extension on improved terms.

"Rory should be focusing on his time in the England Performance Programme as he seeks a place in the England Lions squad after Christmas."

Hamilton-Brown, who started his career at Surrey and has only played eight first-class games to date, is under contract at Hove until the end of next season.

This is a complex situation as we have absolutely no wish to lose a player of Rory's potential Sussex chairman Jim May

May added: "We regard him highly as a player who has developed well since joining us. Rory has very strong potential to develop an excellent career with Sussex, where we strongly believe his cricketing development will be best served.

"This is a complex situation as we have absolutely no wish to lose a player of Rory's potential, and we will consider our response carefully before any further communication."

Sussex, relegated from Division One of the County Championship last season, host Surrey at Hove in Division Two on 15 April and face them again in the Twenty20 competition on 20 June at The Oval.

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