Joe Denly has expressed his sadness at leaving "my No.1 club" but says the chance to play Division 1 cricket with Middlesex was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down at this stage of his career.

He rejected a two-year deal to stay at St Lawrence in favour of a similar deal with this year’s Division 2 champions who are led by former team-mate and good friend Neil Dexter. He believes the move will increase his chances of an international recall.

Lancashire and Essex were also linked with signing him.

Denly’s departure ends a long association with the county, starting with Kent Young Cricketers, before becoming the first Academy player to progress to the senior side.

He said: "I’m sad to leave my No.1 club. I always dreamed of playing for them as a youngster and it has been a privilege to do so. I am now 25 and not getting any younger and this is a new start and new challenge.

"Being in Division 1 means you are playing against better players and can only help me re-ignite my England chances.

"Middlesex have always been strong in one-day and t20 cricket when I have played against them in the past and they have a lot of good, young, experienced players in their squad."

"A couple of other clubs enquired but Middlesex were the only ones who showed a real interest and were keen to sign me."