ESSEX will not move to sign Kent batsman Neil Dexter, despite the South African-born player rejecting a three-year deal to remain at Canterbury.

Dexter, 24, spent a period on loan at the Ford County Ground this summer, scoring an unbeaten 70 against Gloucestershire to help Essex to an important LV County Championship Division Two win in July.

But, despite impressing batting coach Graham Gooch, the county has decided not to make a move to sign the player on a permanent basis.