In its infancy insists boss Chapple

But Middlesex’s director of cricket Angus Fraser said last week: “There have been approaches for Steven. We’ve been in negotiations and he’s asked for a bit more time.

“But he’s a Middlesex boy and we very much want him to say.”

The loss of Jarvis would be a huge blow to Lancashire. Since leaving the Zimbabwe Test side to join Lancashire as a Kolpak in 2013, the 28-year-old has been a star performer with the red ball for the Red Rose, taking 113 Championship wickets in the last two seasons.

But the administration running Zimbabwe has changed recently and coach Heath Streak is keen to bring Jarvis and Nottinghamshire batsman Brendan Taylor back.

“I think they were a massive loss to us when they left and I’m hoping that Zimbabwe Cricket can entice them to come back into the fold,” he said. “Kyle Jarvis left when he was performing really well for Zimbabwe and he’s obviously gained more experience from playing county cricket.

“He’s been one of the most consistent county bowlers on the circuit for a number of years, so both players will be a huge asset and it would definitely create an environment where there is competition for positions.”

Meanwhile, Lancashire Thunder suffered their third successive Kia Super League defeat as they slipped to a 51-run reverse to Loughborough Lightning at Blackpool.