HAMPSHIRE director of cricket Giles White says Adam Wheater will be free to leave permanently at the end of the season - but insists James Vince will be staying.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Wheater was left out of Essex’s division two game against Worcestershire yesterday, after joining on loan till the end of the season.

But Hampshire’s leading run scorer in the Championship this season, who is under contract until the end of next season, wants to make his return to his home county permanent.

White said: “It is something which has been talked about. He obviously wants to keep wicket and isn’t able to do that at this current time because Lewis [McManus] has the gloves.

“He feels his future lies elsewhere. He wants to keep wicket and bat and with that in mind he had the choice to go on loan and he chose to do that.

“It is a choice for the player and we want players who are very much committed to the cause.

“Next season is open to Adam. The feeling is he wants to keep and bat and my understanding is that he is looking elsewhere. He is looking for a club which will help him find that. We have a say but if the player wants to leave we won’t stand in his way.”

Hampshire’s players were told of Wheater’s departure during a training session on Tuesday afternoon.

Gareth Berg said: “Wheats is a big player in the changing room, the type who can take games away from the opposition. Personally, I’m sad he’s not around.”

Meanwhile, White has shot down national press reports of Essex’s interest in James Vince.

He said: “Essex might want him but James is happy here and under contract for three more years.”