LONDON, Feb 24: Darren Gough is set for a return to Yorkshire, possibly as captain, say reports in the Yorkshire Post.

Since returning from commitments in Australia, Gough has yet to sign a new contract with Essex and Yorkshire have confirmed they are in talks with him about a return to his home club.

Yorkshire Chief Executive Stewart Regan said: "Details have not yet been finalised, and until they are the club is not prepared comment further.

"Upon Gough’s recent return from Australia, the club contacted him over whether he had signed a new contract with Essex, and since then the board of directors have been in negotiations with him. Hopefully, the club will be in a position to comment further at some stage next week."

Yorkshire are currently searching for a new captain after a turbulent winter which has seen Chris Adams initially take an offer to lead the side only to withdraw weeks later. Then Anthony McGrath announced his decision to leave, despite being in contract and given a captaincy offer, and his case is now in the hands of lawyers.

They are also in the process of appointing a new coach with Allan Donald currently believed to be heading the list to replace David Byas. Added to this there has been the loss of Michael Lumb to Hampshire, leaving the side in disarray for much of the winter.

However, slowly there have been the first steps of rebuilding with Younis Khan signed as an overseas player and Matthew Elliott acting as cover during the World Cup. They have also secured Jacques Rudolph on a three-year Kolpak deal. Gough's signature would bring a reasonable appearance to a bowling attack which includes Jason Gillespie, Tim Bresnan and Deon Kruis. —Agencies