Monty Panesar could return to Northants this summer

England spinner Monty Panesar is in talks with Northamptonshire over a return to the county where he started his career.

The 33-year-old was released by Essex at the end of last season after struggling for form and he later revealed an inability to settle due to mental health issues had been the cause of his cricketing downfall.

Panesar played 50 Tests for England after making his debut against India in 2006 - taking 167 wickets at an average of 34.17 - but he has not featured in the England side since the 5-0 whitewash in Australia in 2013/14.

He now finds himself without a county as well, but Northants' physio has been helping him recover from shoulder surgery and he is set to join pre-season nets once he is given the all clear by doctors.

An opportunity to play for Northants, for whom he played from 2001 to 2009 before departing for Sussex, could then be on the table, although he may need to find a sponsor to cover his wages.

Northamptonshire head coach David Ripley told The Times: "We have had some dialogue with Monty. We have no finance, nothing in our budget for any more players, but my understanding is that he is possibly looking to source some sponsorship as a way of making it possible to get back into the game.

"At the moment we are trying to help a bit without anything concrete. Something may or may not happen, but I do not believe he has anything else on the table. He will be fit for the start of the season, there is no problem about that. At the moment we are still trying to fathom out something that works for him and us.

"I think if Monty could play 10 or 12 games in the Championship, that would help us, and if it went particularly well there is a great opportunity for him to be in the frame for [England tours to] Bangladesh and India next winter.

"Somebody with Monty's pedigree who is fit and well and committed could be a great attribute to us."