Martin van Jaarsveld is determined not to let speculation about his future affect his form as Kent enter a crucial spell that could make or break their season.

He is a man in demand with Lancashire, Surrey and Yorkshire all linked with the 35-year old South African Kolpak player, while Kent have also tabled an offer in an attempt to keep him at the St Lawrence Ground.

Van Jaarsveld (pictured) said: "I have got to make the right decision for my family and it’s definitely always in the back of my mind.

"I probably think about it more on my days off but I don’t want it to linger too long and affect my performances."

Big-spending Surrey, still rebuilding under new cricket manager Chris Adams, know first hand about Jaarsveld’s qualities, following his 110 – his third hundred in successive innings at The Oval – this week, Lancashire might tempt him while Yorkshire’s interest may hinge on other player movement involving the White Rose county.

Van Jaarsveld made history a year ago in the corresponding game when he became the first player in England and only the second in all first class cricket to score two unbeaten hundreds and take five wickets in an innings in the same match.

He admitted the events of last July were very much in his thoughts this time.

He said: "Everyone knows it’s a good batting track at The Oval and once you get in, you look to go big.

"I probably put pressure on myself to do well there again after last season and was focused and pumped up.

"I grew up on pitches like that back home with bounce and not too much lateral movement and it’s a great place to bat."

Van Jaarsveld is expected to make a decision in the next fortnight as Kent prepare for the Twenty20 quarter-final against Durham at Canterbury on Monday week, their biggest match of the season, as they bid to reach finals day for the third successive year.

He said: "We have got to take it one step at a time and approaching it game by game beginning with Glamorgan at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff this week.

"We are back there for a NatWest Pro40 next week before having a couple of days, off, then prepare to face Durham in a game everyone is looking forward to."