Maddy averaged 27 in the 2006 Championship but 40 in the league

The 32-year-old, the highest run-scorer in Twenty20 cricket, made more than 10,000 first-class runs for the Foxes in 14 seasons at Grace Road.

"This has been the hardest decision of my life," he admitted.

"I felt it was the right time to seek a fresh start but my heart will always be at Leicestershire."

Maddy first went to Leicestershire for coaching at the age of eight and soon became a key component of their Championship sides of 1996 and 1998.

He has been instrumental in the newly devised Twenty20 format, hammering an unbeaten 86 in this year's final as Leicestershire secured their second title in the last three years.

"I am proud of my successes at Grace Road but I decided this was the time to challenge myself and seek to maximise my potential, because I still feel there is a lot I can achieve in the game," he said.

Warwickshire confirmed that talks with Maddy are continuing and are expected to be finalised this week.

Director of coaching Mark Greatbatch said: "We will be delighted to have Darren on board.

"He has great experience, is a multi-skilled cricketer and he's a winner! We feel he will add value to our current squad."