NOTTINGHAMSHIRE boss Mick Newell has denied rumours suggesting Worcestershire's Joe Clarke is set to sign for the Trent Bridge side.

Worcestershire's County Championship Division Two promotion and title rivals have captured all-rounder Paul Coughlin on a three-year deal after he decided to leave Durham at the end of the season.

But Notts are still in the market for two batsmen and a wicketkeeper with stalwart Chris Read among those retiring.

They have not ruled out a move for Coughlin's Durham team-mate Keaton Jennings but Newell did deny the rumour surrounding Shrewsbury-born Clarke, 21, who has another year left on his contract after penning a fresh deal in 2015.

Director of cricket Newell said: "We’ve not agreed to sign him. His contract isn’t up. Coughlin was the only player we’ve approached."

Clarke's batting talents have cemented his place in the Worcestershire side but the wicketkeeper gloves remain with Ben Cox.

Notts have also been linked with Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Tom Moores is in pole position to replace Read at Notts.

Newell added: “We’d be interested in talking to players who are out of contract but it’s all a bit on hold until this Friday or next Friday when we know what division we’re in.

“We’re thinking about Tom’s role and whether he can take over from Ready in every competition.”