KENT officials will meet with Mark Ealham for a third time on Friday in a bid to bring an end to the deadlock surrounding new contract talks.

The former England one-day star has already turned down the club's offer of a one-year deal with a negotiable rollover option, but will sit down with chief executive Paul Millman, chairman of cricket Mike Denness and club captain David Fulton, in a effort to broker a compromise.

Though Ealham is keen to end his playing career at the club that he and his father, Alan, have jointly served since 1965, the 34-year-old all-rounder seems likely to listen to offers should he feel his talents are no longer appreciated after 15 years with Kent.

Ealham said that he remained "hopeful" a deal could still be hammered out. But it could transpire that he has played his final game for the county.