Yorkshire have emerged as the favourites to sign former Nottinghamshire bowler Ryan Sidebottom with Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon claiming that a deal is close.

Sidebottom rejected offers from Trent Bridge in pursuit of an unconditional three-year deal elsewhere and could now return to the county he left at the end of the 2003 season.

"We're close to a deal with Ryan,” said Moxon who faced competition from Lancashire and Sussex in protracted negotiations.

“There are still a couple of things that need sorting out before pen is put to paper but, hopefully, that will happen next week.

"Ryan has a real desire to play for Yorkshire. There's better offers on the table for him but the indications are that he wants to come back and play for us.

"I've got the utmost respect and admiration for him and I know he is desperately keen to finish his career on a high.

"Fingers crossed, he will do that at Yorkshire and become a very important member of our side."

Sidebottom took 27 LV= County Championship wickets in eight appearances for Nottinghamshire in 2010.