SOMERSET have confirmed Justin Langer is "likely" to return to the County Ground next season.

The club's chief executive Richard Gould has confirmed they are in discussions with Langer and he expects to make an anouncement shortly.

New rules restricting counties to just one overseas player come into effect in 2008 which left Somerset with a dilemma following the success of Langer and fellow Australian Cameron White.

The duo have played a major role in taking Somerset to the verge of promotion in the championship.

But, with Langer, who captains the side, publicy stating his wish to return and White, still involved with the Australian national team, the decision appears to have been made.

Gould said: "We are very happy with the way things have worked out with our management team this year.

"Discussions with Justin regarding his likely return to Somerset for next season are at an advanced stage and an official announcement will be made shortly."

White ended his current spell at Somerset with a century to help his county to victory in their vital top of the table clash against Nottinghamshire in Division Two of the Liverpool Victoria Championship (see page 149).

His last game, before joining an Australia training camp, was due to be the Pro40 clash against Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay last Sunday, but that was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Meanwhile, there was no play on the first two days of Somerset's Championship match against Glamorgan at Cardiff that ends tomorrow (Friday).

Somerset's next game is next Thursday when they take on Durham at the County Ground in a rearranged Pro40 match (1.45pm start).

l ENGLAND Women face New Zealand at the County Ground in a Twenty20 game today (Thursday, 5.40pm) and tomorrow in a One Day International (11am).