Former England seamer Paul Taylor could be the man to replace Neal Radford as Banbury's professional in the Home Counties Premier League.

The 37-year-old Northants left-armer is understood to be the favourite to take over from Radford, who left in September after six successful years with the club.

However, West Indian paceman Vasbert Drakes and ex-England spinner Richard Illingworth are also thought to be in the frame.

Taylor played two Tests for England - in 1993 against India in Calcutta and in 1994 against New Zealand at Lord's.

He has taken 559 first-class wickets at 29.72, but it is not certain that Northants will be offering him a new contract for next season.

Illingworth, who was with Derbyshire last season, played nine Tests for England, the last of which was against South Africa at Port Elizabeth in 1995.

Drakes was Warwickshire's overseas player last season. The 32-year-old has not played Test cricket, although he did tour England with the West Indies in 1995.

"We are in the process of trying to replace Neal, and that is almost at a conclusion," said Banbury chairman Martin Phillips.

"Obviously, I don't want to name names at the moment, but it should be an exciting appointment."