GLAMORGAN could open talks with Simon Jones over a return to his home county by the weekend.

Director of cricket Matthew Maynard has confirmed the Llanelli-born bowler is on his wish list after his release by Worcestershire last week.

Jones was told he could leave New Road after it was revealed he will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery in April.

It is a recurring complaint that has prevented the Ashes hero from playing for England since the defeat of Australia four years ago.

But Maynard insists a fit Jones is a proven match-winner and is keen to speak to his former county colleague.

Proposals

"We have a committee meeting on Thursday and I'll put forward my proposals then," he said.

"Hopefully they will be rubber-stamped and then we can start talking to Simon."

Jones picked up an impressive 42 Championship wickets in just nine games during his first season at Worcestershire last summer and helped them gain promotion to division one.

But he underwent knee surgery in September after missing the final month of the 2008 season and had to again go under the knife at the start of the current campaign.

Despite his well- documented injury problems, Glamorgan are still likely to face a fight for his signature.

Injury

Surrey and Hampshire are believed to be front-runners in the chase, with the latter believed to be lining up a pay-as-you-play deal.

Hampshire coach Giles White has also confirmed he intends speaking to Jones in the next few days.

But Maynard said: "He's Welsh through and through.

"Obviously Simon has had injury trouble and he would need to be given a medical, but even at 90 per cent fit he is still a superb bowler, as everybody knows.

"He is a quality performer, and the fact he can swing the ball both ways makes him very dangerous."