KENT appear to be edging closer to re-signing South African all-rounders Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp for the 2006 championship season.

Both players are finding form in the VB Series against Australia and would be welcome additions to the county’s squad after impressing in their foreshortened stint with Kent last summer.

It is understood the pair have agreed fresh contract offers which are now awaiting ratification by the chief executive officer of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, Gerald Majola.

Kent had hoped to secure the services of Hall and Kemp before Christmas, but the county’s determination to close loopholes that allowed their controversial international re-call, with two matches of the 2005 campaign remaining, appears to have led to delays.