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Lancashire's hopes of capturing Muttiah Muralitharan took another step forward today when they learned that Sri Lanka were ready to okay the move.

``We have a verbal assurance from one of their officials that Muralitharan will be okay to join us after the World Cup,'' said Old Trafford's chief executive Jim Cumbes.

``Thery have another meeting this weekend when, hopefully, the move will be fully sanctioned.''

Lancashire signed the star spinner last summer, but they need permission from Sri Lanka to register him, enabling him to play county cricket after the World Cup. Coach Dav Whatmore said: ``I have spoken to Muralitharan and he says he is coming.''

Lancashire were hoping to tell members at today's annual meeting that Muralitharan was on his way, but confirmation might not now come until early next week.

Eight candidates were today fighting for four places on Lancashire's committee today, with prospects of a woman being elected on to the hierarchy for the first time in the club's history at the expense of one of four retiring members.