Kent chief executive Simon Storey offers update on second overseas signing, the financial challenges they face and explains why Kent’s first team will not play in Tunbridge Wells in 2024

Talks are at “an advanced stage” for Kent to make another overseas signing.

Chief executive Simon Storey revealed the news, as he explained the work the club has done over the winter on Thursday morning.

With Australian fast bowler Wes Agar set to make a Canterbury comeback for the 2024 season, Storey also praised head coach Matt Walker and the rest of his coaching staff.

He said: “It’s a testament to the culture that Matt Walker and co have created here that a fast bowler of Wes Agar’s calibre actively sought to come back to Kent for another year after impressing in his first English summer.

“Wes is an exciting bowler who made a big difference last season and we’re very pleased to welcome him back to Canterbury until the end of July. He’s also made a big impact for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield this winter.

“Work continues to go on in this area - (director of cricket) Simon Cook is continuing to work on bolstering the men’s squad and talks are in an advanced stage to secure a second overseas recruit for the first part of the season.”

Storey praised the work Simon Cook has done since he replaced the retiring Paul Downton. But he also warned of the financial challenges Kent presently faces to compete.

“I’m delighted with the progress that he’s made in this short time,” said Storey, who added the director of cricket position now includes having oversight on elite women’s and girls’ cricket in Kent.

“Simon is a real driving force for positive change, building on the work done by his predecessor Paul Downton.

“There’s a huge amount of hard and smart work happening, with strategic thinking going on on and off the field to enable us to compete at the highest level - not an easy task, given the widening financial gulf