ENGLAND Twenty20 international Reece Topley will join Hampshire on a two-year deal from Essex, who have an uncertain future after losing the left-arm seamer yesterday.

 The county have lost the 21 year-old, who had represented the county since he was nine, and coach Paul Grayson and captain James Foster may be following him out too.

 Topley, who recently took a wicket on his England T20 debut against Australia in Cardiff, rejected a new contract offer from Essex, with eight other counties interested.

 Hampshire coach Giles White and chairman Rod Bransgrove are believed to have captivated Topley with their future plans, and the environment at the club, in helping the bowler achieve his potential. The bowler may leave Essex immediately to join his new club on loan for the rest of this season.

Topley already has 125 first-class wickets and leads the wicket tables in the 2015 One-Day Cup with 20 highly impressive all-round figures.

Topley made his debut at 17 in 2011, taking consecutive five-wicket hauls while still at school, with his departure continuing a disturbing trend for the county in losing its best talent.

Various highly talented players have started with Essex but left in the last decade — Topley joins a long list including Varun Chopra, Ben Foakes, Adam Wheater, Tony Palladino, Billy Godleman, Chris Wright and Tymal Mills.

Foster also has a doubtful future after it is understood he has received attractive employment offers in sports coaching from local private schools.

Essex have struggled to progress under departing coach Grayson, who led them to the success in 2008 but leaves them as a mid-table Division Two team.