SOMERSET County Cricket Club have responded to growing speculation surrounding the future of certain players within the current squad.

A club statement released this lunchtime said: "There has been much speculation in regard to player movements and the Club’s cricketing objectives in the media of recent."

"Firstly, Somerset County Cricket Club will not comment on player contract discussions; that is a confidential matter between the individual and the club.

"For absolute clarity, no formal or definitive decisions have been taken with the regard to the future composition of the playing squad for 2018; that is premature with a major part of the current season still in progress and a great deal to play for."

The statement comes in the aftermath of limited overs captain Jim Allenby confirming to the BBC that he will not be at the County Ground next season, while there has also been uncertainty surrounding the futures of white ball specialists such as Max Waller, Michael Leask and Johann Myburgh.

The statement goes on: "Secondly, the Club’s cricketing priorities are very clear – to play high quality competitive cricket in ALL formats and to assemble a squad to achieve that consistently each season.

"The club is committed to its policy of retaining and developing home grown talent, whilst supplementing the core of our squad with players of world-class calibre from the domestic and international market.

"Everyone at the club is completely focused on cricketing performance in the crucial latter stages of the season."

Members will be able to have their say in a Q&A after the close of play on the first day of the County Championship match against Surrey on Monday, August 7.

Director of cricket Matt Maynard and outgoing Chief Executive Guy Lavender will be present to field questions.