English county Worcestershire is keen on signing India pacer Munaf Patel for the rest of the season.
"We are very interested in signing Munaf Patel. But it all depends on his availability and fitness," Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki told rediff.com.
Solanki, however, added that contact is yet to be made with the Indian pacer since he could not get his telephone number.
He tried to get Munaf's contact details from a few Indian players, but, he says, surprisingly, none of them had it.
"We are still to make contact with him. If all goes fine, he could be playing here.
"But, as I said, it all depends on various factors, like his fitness, availability and our schedule," Solanki said, after being given Munaf's contact details by rediff.com.
"Munaf has been a great bowler for India for the short time that he has played for India. It would be great having him here if the move does happen," Solanki added.
Patel, who has played seven Tests and 22 One-Day International, is likely to be picked for the seven one-day internationals India will play against England next month. If selected, the chances of him playing for Worcestershire are slim.
The 24-year-old pacer returned home midway through the tour of Bangladesh in May after suffering back muscle spasms. He underwent rehabilitation and training at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai to get back to his full fitness and form.
'Currently I am using 85 per cent of my run-up. Hopefully I will be able to use my full run-up soon,' he had said earlier in the month during his stint in Chennai.
Indian team physio John Gloster had also advised Munaf on his rehabilitation.
'After the back muscle spasm problem on the Bangladesh tour, I am concentrating on regaining full fitness. Had it been some other injury, it would have taken a longer time to cure,' Munaf had said.
