WARWICKSHIRE'S Anurag Singh today emerged as a red-hot favourite to join Worcestershire in their bid to rise from the ashes of last season's bitterly disappointing campaign.

County cricket committee chairman Martin Horton said he was "99 per cent" convinced that the 25-year-old batsman would be among the New Road ranks next summer.

He added: "We are very, very hopeful. He's said he's not going to re-sign for Warwickshire and we're pretty sure he'll come to us."

Worcestershire have already signalled their intention to rebuild after last term's nightmare exploits by snapping up Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as Glenn McGrath's overseas replacement.

Horton also hinted today that the County would be taking on other young players, including ones who impressed while on trial at New Road during the summer.

The inquest into last term's miserable campaign -- they failed to gain promotion from the County Championship Division Two and were relegated from the National League Division One -- will be stepped up at a committee meeting on Monday.

"We will be talking about all aspects of cricket, including wickets, coaching and playing staff. There's a lot to be done," said Horton.

Singh's name is certain to be mentioned during the discussions along with possible other targets.

The Warwickshire star has made no secret of the fact that he has been unhappy at Edgbaston and sees his future elsewhere.

He his understood to favour Worcestershire as a club where he could further his career.

Singh has captained Cambridge University and the British Universities and, at one stage, played in the same England Under 19s side as Vikram Solanki.

Worcestershire's interest in talented Singh intensified during last season when he played against them in a County Championship match at New Road in August.

During his second knock he hammered an eye-catching career-best 79.

He was restricted to seven first-class innings during the season, scoring 156 runs at an average of 22.28.

During his playing career with Cambridge University he notched four first-class centuries.