The Notts Director of Cricket has been in negotiations with thebig-hitting Aussie all-rounder to replace Fleming when he toursZimbabwe with New Zealand later this summer.

Said Newell: "Symonds was a name that immediately came to mind when the New Zealand tour party was announced.

"He?s a proven performer on the county circuit and would be an idealreplacement for Fleming in the middle order. We?ve made him an offerand are waiting for a response from him by this weekend."

Fleming will be away from Nottingham for almost seven weeks and missesfive Championship games and two totesport League matches in August.

His last match before he joins the New Zealand will be in the totesportLeague against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Trent Bridge on SundayJuly 24, and he will return for the Division One clash at home againstGloucestershire Gladiators on Friday September 9.