by Andrew Gidley

Paul Farbrace says youngster Matt Coles is close to agreeing a new contract extension with the county.

The 20-year-old from Maidstone was the club's "find of the season" in a disappointing summer, and is spending the winter on an ECB scholarship in Australia.

His present deal runs out at the end of next summer, and he has been offered an extension.

Kent team director Farbrace (pictured) said: "We want to keep all our young players, Matt's agent is in talks at the moment, and we hope there will be a good conclusion."

Kent are targeting two possible overseas recruits next summer, but their planning has been put on hold ahead of the Indian Premier League auction which takes place in two weeks' time.

Farbrace said: "We have got a couple of names in mind, have done our research on both, and we now need to look at the finances and see what is possible.

"The IPL franchises still have to be sorted out, and we could end up with all hopes wasted.

"Not too many counties are looking at signing overseas players to play county championship cricket next summer, as everybody is tightening their belts, and looking to recruit for Twenty20 cricket."

Simon Cook, Joe Denly - who leaves next week to play grade cricket in Australia - and Stevens have all had their names put forward for the IPL auction, and Farbrace said: "There may be a small issue over their availability for Kent if they are involved, but it will be a great opportunity, and a big experience for all of them, to be involved.

"It will be a great opportunity for them to learn new information, knowledge and skills."

Do you think Coles should be retained by Kent? Have your say below.