HAMPSHIRE director of cricket Giles White has confirmed he is in talks with Dale Steyn ahead of a possible move for the South Africa legend later this season.

Steyn could be joining Hampshire in June as he bids to get fit for the Proteas next international assignment in Sri Lanka in July.

Steyn, who has not played competitive cricket since the New Year’s Test against India where he injured his heel, still requires a month’s rehabilitation before returning to action.

Steyn confirmed there was a “possibility,” of him joining Hampshire in June, although he is also looking at other options.

He told the Hindustan Times: “I’m going to take another month off. I’m not going to the IPL (Indian Premier League).

"I’m looking to go over to Hampshire in June to play a little bit of cricket, then Sri Lanka in July.”

Hampshire have already signed Hashim Amla for the first three months of the season, but Steyn may replace him as Hampshire’s main overseas player when Amla goes to the Caribbean Premier League.

White said: “It’s something we’ve discussed but we haven’t formalised anything yet. There’s a possibility Dale will train with us in June while Hashim Amla is still with us ahead of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka.

“Then he may come back for the second half of the season to play T20 and Championship for us in August and September when Amla is at the CPL.”

Hampshire have two former South Africa teammates of Steyn in Kolpaks Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.

Steyn was awarded a new national contract in April and has committed himself to returning for South Africa, though he has only played one Test since November 2016, when he broke a bone in his shoulder at the WACA, and his one-day future is uncertain.

Steyn has taken 419 Test wickets at 22.32 and needs three more to overtake Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Tests.

l The poor weather has forced Hampshire to cancel their penultimate pre-season friendly against Middlesex,which was scheduled for today and tomorrow.

Their next match, a three-dayer at home to Cardiff MCCU from Saturday, is their last before the Specsavers County Championship opener at home to Worcestershire on April 13.