RYAN McLaren's return to Hampshire for all of next season has been confirmed - with a second T20 overseas player on the way.

McLaren, who shone with bat and ball as Hampshire completed the Great Escape two months ago, will have an even bigger role to play in 2016.

The 32 year-old, who will play for Hampshire in all formats, was originally mooted to be a potential Kolpak recruit.

But Hampshire still have a vacancy for a second overseas player in the Natwest T20 Blast.

Director of cricket Giles White said: “Ryan gives the team balance, is an excellent professional and performs in both red and white ball cricket.

“Having an overseas player around for the whole season is a big bonus, it’s rare you get that these days.”

White continued: “It doesn't matter whether he's a Kolpak or an overseas because, with Yasir Arafat coming back as a local player, we don’t have room for any more signings except a second T20 overseas player.

“We’re working on that at the moment, we need a batsmen who adds dynamism to the back end of the innings. If he’s able to bowl as well that helps.

"We should be in a position to make an announcement soon."

McLaren scored 123 runs at 30 during Hampshire's last four LV County Championship games, including vital knocks of 30 and 52 in the wins at Somerset and Nottinghamshire.

He bowled far better than his 11 wickets at 38 apiece suggests and also made 863 runs at 21 and took 112 wickets at 25 for Kent from 2007-09.

Dropped from South Africa’s World Cup squad in January, McLaren’s international career appears to be over after 54 ODIs, two Tests and 12 T20Is.