Sam Northeast has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Kent and is determined to mould a side to win Division 2 next year.

Northeast admits Kent are entering an important winter as they await assurances over the future of head coach Jimmy Adams, linked with the West Indies coaching role and with Darren Stevens the subject of a rival contract offer from Sussex – although the captain laughed off reports linking him with a move to Somerset.

Northeast revealed he was aware of speculation surrounding his future but added: “I am just focused on Kent.

"I have got another two years on my contract here and I’m looking for a new house. If I was to go anywhere else that would mean a hefty commute.”

He added: “We are on a good path and things are going in the right direction. We want to continue that progress this winter and me, Walks (assistant coach Matt Walker) and Jimmy will sit down and talk about what’s going to happen.

“It’s an important winter, we have to get our heads down, work hard and come back and win this division next year.”

Northeast hopes he can call on Stevens to help the cause, although the all-rounder’s future remains uncertain.

The 40-year-old is hoping for a multi-year deal to remain with Kent, although has a reputed white-ball contract offer on the table from Sussex with a pay-as-you-play Championship clause, too.

Northeast claimed: “He has been a consistent performer. It’s between him and the club. I’d love to have him but it’s not up to me.”

In the season finale, Northeast added an unbeaten 178 to previous scores of 191, 190, 189, and 166 not out this summer to finish with more than 2,000 runs in all competitions – although still not enough to earn an England Lions call-up.

He said: “It’s not my job to go to the selectors and ask what I have to do. It’s my job to bat well for Kent, win trophies and see what comes of that.

I’d love to play for the Lions and England. It’s great to see Sam (Billings)and DBD (Daniel Bell-Drummond) being recognised and they deserve it. I don’t know what more I have to do.”