WORLD record Test wicket-taker Courtney Walsh is being linked to a possible move to Worcestershire.

The New Road club are in the market for an overseas star for next season as their current international player, Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, will be on the Ashes tour to England.

Worcestershire hope to name their man within the next three weeks and West Indian pace ace Walsh, who has been a constant threat to England this season, would certainly fit the bill.

The former Gloucestershire bowler set a new all-time Test wicket record when he passed the 450 mark in the Headingley Test two weeks ago.

But Worcestershire would only make their move if Walsh retires from Test cricket -- something that may hinge on whether his West Indian team mate Curtly Ambrose decides to call it a day at international level after the current series with England.

Signing

However, the signing would only be for one season as McGrath is due to return to New Road in 2002.

Martin Horton, Worcestershire's cricket chairman, admits that the club are currently looking for a replacement for McGrath.

He said: "We are interested in three or four players and we hope to confirm something definite by the end of the season."

Although someone of Walsh's reputation would be a huge boost for Worcestershire, their interest in him would quickly subside if he were to be playing against South Africa until May 16, 2001.

Another international fast bowler being linked with the New Road club is Devon Malcolm, who was released from his contract by Northamptonshire on Monday after struggling to command a first team place this season.

Malcolm, 37, was targeted by Worcestershire back in December 1998 after his long-term contract finished with Derbyshire.

They then stepped up their interest after he rejected a new offer from Derbyshire, leaving them in a losing two-way battle with Northamptonshire for his services.