Batty set to leave Worcestershire

Batty has played seven Tests and 10 one-day internationals for England

Worcestershire and England off-spinner Gareth Batty has been given permission to speak to other counties.

The 31-year-old, who still has a year left on his current deal at New Road, has taken just seven first-class wickets this season.

Chief executive Mark Newton told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "Gareth told us he wanted to talk to other counties.

"He knows and has admitted that he's having a poor season and it's only fair for him to explore other options."

Batty, who was dropped from the side that lost to Warwickshire in Worcestershire's last Championship game, is believed to be concerned at how much ambition is being shown by the club, with the county currently bottom of Division One.

You always get players whose glasses are half full and those that are half empty

Chief executive Mark Newton

The former Yorkshire and Surrey bowler is also believed to be unhappy at the level of facilities for the playing staff at New Road, including a lack of an indoor school.

But Newton said that he is not in a position to comment on Batty's reported disillusionment with the events at New Road.

"You would have to ask him, inevitably when you have a series of bad results it causes issues," said Newton.

"You always get players whose glasses are half full and those that are half empty.

"Inevitably when you are playing badly and you are still being picked for England you think are you doing the best thing for yourself."

Warwickshire have already confirmed their interest in the player, with director of cricket Ashley Giles admitting: "When a player of Gareth's quality becomes available, you have to be interested."

Middlesex, Nottinghamshire and Surrey are also understood to be interested in signing Batty.

606: DEBATE

I have long felt he was very over-rated, just an enthusiastic trier

Bensafrim

But Newton added that he is not sure if Batty will join a "bigger" county.

"I think bigger is the wrong word, but we are not the strongest club financially," said Newton.

"But its only two years since we won the Pro40 league and last season we got promoted.

"People these days are getting impatient as far as winning is concerned.

"But, there are a lot of counties who would like to be in our position, where we are playing on the ground we have with the facilities we have."

Wicketkeeper Steven Davies has already rejected the chance to sign a new three-year contract despite the county meeting all of his demands.

The England Lions player wants to keep his options open until the end of the season, with Surrey having already given 28 days notice of approach to speak to the player.