Middlesex have signed Adam Gilchrist for next summer's Twenty20 competition and are in talks to bring in Sachin Tendulkar.
Australia great Gilchrist retired from the international arena in March 2008 but has continued to play Twenty20 in the Indian Premier League and has agreed a deal to play English domestic cricket for the first time in his career.
"County cricket was one of the things missing from my CV, so when Middlesex came in, it appealed," said the wicketkeeper-batsman, who played 96 Tests for the Aussies. "Obviously, when I retired from international cricket, I didn't think this opportunity would come along.
"To play for such a famous club and at such a famous ground means I am thrilled to do it."
Middlesex also revealed they want to sign Indian star Tendulkar, one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, although the 36year-old needs permission from his domestic board before talks can proceed.
Chief executive Vinny Codrington said: "We have been in discussions with Sachin and his agent for quite a while but he has been concentrating on the one-day series against Australia and the current Test against Sri Lanka.
"We are confident our conversations with Sachin will be fruitful."
