Essex want to sign Monty Panesar on permanent basis

But coach Paul Grayson says they are likely to face competition from other counties.

Panesar, right, has named in the England squad for their Ashes tour to Australia this winter, as back-up for Graeme Swann.

The 31-year-old has won a recall following his productive spell with Essex, after joining them on loan from Sussex.

Panesar is set to play the final game of his loan when Essex take on Hampshire at the Rose Bowl, in their final County Championship division two game of the season.

But Grayson said they would be interested in bringing the spinner back to the County Ground for a second spell, in 2014.

He said: “After the Hampshire game is finished, Monty will be a free agent.

“We hope that we’ll be in a good position to talk to him about playing here next year but I’m sure that there will be others interested. We hope that we’ve played a part in Monty being back in the England squad.

“After leaving Sussex, he was always going to join another county and we’re glad that he came to us.

“He’s delighted to be picked in the Ashes squad.”

And, of course Panesar will play for England under skipper Alistair Cook.

Grayson said: “I think Monty knows that he is playing second fiddle to Graeme Swann as second spinner. But he also knows that should his chance come, he needs to be ready.”