Jos Buttler on brink of Somerset return

Jos Buttler is considering a move back to Somerset, the club he supported as a boy and where he developed as a young player.

Buttler, who is out of contract at Lancashire at the end of this season, left Somerset at the end of the 2013 season - after he had played international cricket - as his opportunities to keep wicket were blocked by the presence of Craig Kieswetter.

Now, however, with his place in the England side established in all formats of the game, he is understood to be tempted by a move back down south. He retains several close friends in the Somerset side - not least Jack Leach, who has never made any secret of his desire to persuade Buttler back to Taunton - and has family in the area.

Buttler has also retained a long-term relationship with Cooper Associates - Somerset's principal sponsors whose main office is just across the road from the ground - with some at the club very confident the deal will be confirmed before the end of the season.

While Somerset supporters shouldn't expect to see too much of Buttler - he has played 16 first-class games (12 as keeper), 35 T20s and four List A games for Lancashire in five seasons - there would be delight among them if a local favourite could be brought back into the fold.

It might also prove relevant ahead of the launch of The Hundred in 2020. While England players are expected to be available for few games - perhaps three or four, at best - Buttler, as one of the best short-form players in the world, would have to be considered a major drawcard to the Cardiff-based side which will also represent the teams of Somerset and Gloucestershire.