Worcestershire are considering "other options" to fill their overseas player slot in 2013 but they are still exploring the possibility of re-signing Australian opener Phil Hughes for the early part of the campaign.

Hughes enjoyed a successful season at New Road in 2012 in all formats of the game – compared to his lean period at Hampshire towards the end of the 2010 campaign - after losing his place in the Australian squad.

But he has made a big impact since regaining his place which would limit when he could play for the Royals this summer.

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: "Phil is still on our agenda and at the moment is available in April and May even if selected for one-day and Test cricket.

"But we are looking at other options and Phil is aware of that and hopefully something will be sorted by next week.

"We would like Phil although the difficulty is knowing whether Australia will put in place training camps before the Ashes tour which would obviously limit the availability.

"Phil knows we would like someone for a longer period. But, if Phil is available and we cannot sign anyone who is available for longer, then we would happily welcome him back if possible.

"He did very well for us last summer, has said himself he would like to come back, and has been in good form since getting back into the Australian side."