Steven Davies has come all the way through the ranks at Worcester

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes cannot see a quick solution in the battle to hold onto home-grown wicketkeeper Steven Davies.

The 22-year-old Kidderminster lad, who made his England debut in the Twenty20 clash with West Indies in March, is in the final year of his contract.

Rhodes told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "If any county wants to give 28 days notice to speak to a player, they can.

"With agents involved as well, it'll probably mean a long drawn-out affair."

"I can't see any other way it is going to be honest. That's what may well happen. It's disappointing."

Davies indicated last summer he would like to keep his options open when given the opportunity to sign a long-term deal.

He is certain to attract interest from other counties should he become available.

Steve Rhodes sees his old understudy Davies's long-term future at New Road

Rhodes is expecting a similar situation to last season when England Lions opener Stephen Moore was wanted by a dozen counties before finally signing a new three-year deal.

"The way the rules are at the moment it could be another Stephen Moore situation," admitted Rhodes. "I don't think you can avoid that.

"We are not taking things for granted or Steve for granted. We always like to look after him and we want to secure his future here at Worcestershire.

"But the way things are with the rules can leave a county in limbo as to what is going on.

"We will address it all when we sit down with his agent and hopefully come up with a deal.

"What indication has Steve given? None at the moment. Whether he is keeping his cards close to his chest, I don't know.

"I'm pretty sure he wants his career to be here but we will wait and see."

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