PHIL Weston will today join Gloucestershire after Worcestershire agreed to release the batsman from his New Road contract.

The 29-year-old opener, who made his County debut back in 1991, travelled to Bristol today to undergo a medical and was expected to sign a two-year deal.

Gloucester's cricket director John Bracewell has been looking for a re-placement for Kim Barnett after the veteran's decision to quit the club last month and he looks to have found the ideal candidate following Worcestershire's decision to release the left-hander from the final year of his contract.

Weston racked up 9,132 first class runs for the County between 1991-2002 at an average of 34.07. His top score of 205 came against Northampton in 1997.

He had, however, dropped down the pecking order last season and New Road chief executive Mark Newton pointed to the emerging Kadeer Ali as one of the reasons why the decision was taken to let Weston go.

"It's never an easy decision to take," said Newton. "Phil has contributed so much to Worcestershire County Cricket Club in his 11 years here. However, we felt that this was the best decision in the interests of the player. Phil wants first- team cricket and because of our strong batting line-up, that was not guaranteed.

"We must make sure that we look after Kadeer who shows great promise for the future. Phil is one of the nice guys of county cricket and we certainly wish him all the best. He has been a really solid performer for us, but we are looking to progress as a club and that means bringing on players like Kadeer."

Worcestershire's squad touched down in South Africa yesterday as they began their pre-season tour and Newton revealed that, despite Weston's departure, there would be no more new faces before the season began.

"We're not looking to bring anyone else in now," he said.

"We feel we have a strong side and the new signings have certainly strengthened it considerably.

"The message coming from the squad in South Africa is that they've been made very welcome."