Lancashire are in talks to extend James Anderson’s playing career at the county into a 24th season.

Anderson, the most prolific fast bowler in Test history and England’s leading wicket-taker, has not played since retiring from international duty last July.

He has since worked with England as a bowling consultant but the 42-year-old has expressed a desire to continue playing.

The PA news agency understands Lancashire have held talks with Anderson over extending his stay at the county and more are planned in the weeks ahead.

Anderson played his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord’s last summer, ending an incredible England career with 704 Test wickets at 26.45.

He had considered a foray into franchise cricket, putting himself forward for the IPL auction in November where he went unsold.

Anderson made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002 and helped them win the County Championship in 2011.

Lancashire were relegated from the top flight of the County Championship last season and will be playing second division cricket in the summer.

Anderson returned figures of seven for 35 in his solitary appearance for Lancashire in 2024, against Nottinghamshire at Southport in June.

He has not played any white-ball cricket since 2019 and his last T20 match was in 2014.

No deal is yet in place for Anderson to continue in the England set-up next summer, although he has been working with the England and Wales Cricket Board this winter.

England start their Test summer against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22 before embarking on a five-Test series with India.