Yorkshire have made an official approach to Derbyshire to speak to two of their most promising young players that they are keen to sign, writes DAVID WARNER.

They are 17-year-old Zimbabwe-born left-hand batsman, Gary Ballance, who is the son of former Zimbabwe Test captain, Dave Houghton, and 23-year-old 6ft 8in pace bowler, Boyd Rankin, who was Ireland's leading wicket-taker in this year's World Cup in the West Indies.

Ballance is considered one of the best young prospects in the country and played against Yorkshire at Derby earlier this season in the Friends Provident Trophy when he fell early on to Jason Gillespie.

Rankin, born in Londonderry, County Derry, is out of action with a stress fracture in his leg, but he is keen to go on improving his game in the hope of one day playing international cricket for England.