GLOUCESTERSHIRE are facing a battle to hold on to seam ace Gemaal Hussain after local rivals Worcestershire lodged an official 28-day approach.

Hussain has been offered a new contract by Gloucestershire with his current deal expiring at the end of the season but the County Championship's leading wicket taker will be allowed permission to speak to Worcestershire and is also believed to be attracting the interest of Warwickshire, Surrey and Middlesex. Hussain, 26, was spotted by Jack Russell last year and had taken 61 first class wickets before the start of Gloucestershire's clash against Derbyshire on Tuesday.

Gloucestershire have also made contract offers to seam bowler Anthony Ireland, batsman Will Porterfield and left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee and boosted their ranks for next season by signing New Zealand all-rounder James Fuller.

The 20-year-old right-arm seam bowler has agreed a three-year contract as an English passport holder and will join up with the club in time for the 2011 season.

Fuller plays for Otago in New Zealand and has also played for the New Zealand U19 team in 2009 and was part of the New Zealand players training squad in 2010.

He said: "The opportunity of playing cricket for Gloucestershire under John Bracewell, on so many famous grounds, and amongst such great players is truly the chance of a lifetime.

"I am extremely grateful to Gloucestershire for having faith in me, and look forward to repaying that through my pace bowling, and all-rounder ability."

Gloucestershire Director of Cricket John Bracewell said: "It is great news to have signed James as he has enormous potential as a pace bowler and ball striker.

"He is a genuine athlete who has chosen cricket as his profession and Gloucestershire will reap the benefit."