CHESTER-LE-STREET (England): Durham head coach Jon Lewis claimed on Wednesday that veteran Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara would be a ‘tremendous’ addition for Durham, amid reports the ace wicket-keeper/batsman will join the county champions on a short-term basis.

Sangakkara, 36, who won the World Twenty20 title with Sri Lanka earlier this month, is set to feature in May’s one-day series against England.

Durham are understood to remain in advanced negotiations with the player.

Lewis told BBC: “I’m glad to see that come out but I can’t confirm. I can’t think of a better player in the world who is not involved in the Indian Premier League.”

Former law student Sangakkara has been one of world cricket’s most consistent players, winning Cricketer of the Year, Test Cricketer of the Year and People’s Choice awards from the International Cricket Council in 2012.

He also had a stint in England with Warwickshire in 2007 and was scheduled to fea­ture for Lancashire in 2010 but never made an appearance.

Meanwhile Durham, who have already signed Australian paceman John Hastings as an overseas player for the 2014 season, would be likely to have Sangakkara for two or three Championship fixtures if the deal goes through.