Australian Test fast bowler Stuart Clark has emerged as one of Kent’s top overseas targets for the 2009 season which begins next month.

Coach Simon Willis confirmed the 33-year-old from New South Wales “is one of several players the county has spoken to" as they step up their search to replace Yasir Arafat following his return to Sussex.

Willis said: “We are speaking to a few although it isn’t a very big list.

"We are just waiting to see what unfolds because there are several international teams still to be picked including Australia’s one-day side to face South Africa.

“The international cricket schedule is now so big, it offers players far more opportunities to earn big money.

"We don’t know yet whether it’s realistic to think we can get Stuart, it’s a case of piecing the jigsaw together.”

Depending who is available Kent could adopt a different criteria and go for two players for part of the campaign, instead of only one for the whole season.

Clark who has played 22 Tests and 36 one-day internationals is recovering from an operation on a damaged shoulder, but must be in line for a place in the squad to defend The Ashes against England beginning in July.

Pressed on whether the county would want to help an Australian get match-fit for his country, Willis said: “We are employed by Kent to do the right thing by the club. What happens three or four months away is down to other people.”