Ben Hollioake Photo Paul McGregor

Warwickshire have confirmed that they are interested in signing Surrey and England all-rounder Ben Hollioake. Although no official approach has yet been made to out of contract Hollioake, Chief Executive Dennis Amiss told the BBC that the club could be interested. "When a player of that quality becomes available, it's obviously in our interest to follow it up," he said.

Bob Woolmer, the head of coaching at Warwickshire, has already spoken to the 24-year-old. "I regard him as a very talented cricketer, a genuine all-rounder who can bowl quick and score useful runs and he would be a handy addition to our squad.

"Nothing has come of the talks so far. We need to know whether he wants to play for Warwickshire," he added. Woolmer said that if Hollioake were to confirm his interest, consultations would be held with Chairman Andy Lloyd and skipper Michael Powell, before returning to Hollioake to reach a deal. It is likely that he would command a large salary, though Warwickshire are recognised as one of the bigger clubs.

Hollioake made his England debut at 19, cruising to a powerful half-century on debut in the 1997 one-day series with Australia. Since then, his career has been stop start, and he has only played two test matches. He is busily establishing himself in the limited overs side, impressing on England's recent trip to Zimbabwe.

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