FORMER Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly will not be joining Essex for their Friends Providence T20 campaign next season, according to coach Paul Grayson.

The classy left handed batsmen said to reporters over in India that he expected to join the Eagles for a period next season but although Grayson admits Ganguly's agent has been in touch he says they have no interest in the player.

"I have no idea where this has come from," said Grayson.

"I heard about it last night and couldn't believe it, it's agents touting Ganguly around, they sent us a e-mail about his availability but they have probably sent that to all the counties.

"I can categorically say that Ganguly will not be coming to Essex next season, we have drawn up a list of possible options but he is not one of them - it's just the way agents play the game.

"As far as we are concerned he is not coming, I have had absolutely no contact with the player whatsoever."

Essex are yet to confirm their overseas options for next season and are waiting until the new year when they will know more about the availability of Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria.