James Anderson will have options to extend his legendary playing career after being told he will not be given a new contract by Lancashire.

A number of counties are keen to speak to the 44-year-old if he decides to continue playing next summer.

Anderson will leave Old Trafford following Lancashire’s decision to release him from the club for whom he first played professionally 25 years ago.

Despite turning 45 in 2027, Anderson, who captained Lancashire last season, was planning on playing for another year before being told he will not be given a new deal.

The exit from Lancashire leaves England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with a decision over whether to retire or speak to other counties.

It is understood clubs in both divisions of the County Championship would be interested in negotiating with Anderson and some have already reached out.

Any move for Anderson would likely depend on the finances of the deal, the role he would be offered and the logistics of spending time away from his home in Cheshire.

For a county, the signing of Anderson would represent an acquisition of unmatched quality on and off the field.

Last summer, Anderson was Lancashire’s County Championship player of the year, taking 50 wickets in Division Two. Only six other bowlers in the second tier managed more.

It could also lead to the prospect of Anderson transitioning into a coaching role at a new county at the conclusion of his playing career. The opportunity for a club to tap into Anderson’s bank of knowledge would be highly appealing.