Sussex's out-of-contract trio Dominic Clapp, Will House and Jamie Carpenter have been offered new deals by the county.

All three are to be awarded one-year contracts after lengthy deliberation by the club's management.

The decision was made after Sussex failed to sign Kent all-rounder Ben Phillips. He looks like joining Northamptonshire instead because they can offer him more regular Championship cricket.

Moores hopes Clapp, House and Carpenter will take the chance next season to finally establish themselves at the County Ground.

Left-hander Clapp has yet to make a first team appearance while Carpenter hasn't played Championship cricket since 1998 although he did win back his place in the one-day team towards the end of last season.

House, meanwhile, has been a one-day regular with a strike rate of over 100, but the former Kent all-rounder made just two Championship appearances in 2001.

Coach Peter Moores said: "We've shown faith in them and hopefully when the chance comes for them next season they will grab it.

"There is an opportunity for everyone on our staff, we have developed a strong performance culture and they are all performers."

Moores says the county are unlikely to make any more additions to the squad having already signed Yorkshire fast bowler Paul Hutchison and Academy graduate Carl Hopkinson. It means they will operate with a staff of 20 professionals next season although Mark Robinson, who is coaching the 2nd XI, will also be registered.

"We're quite happy with the way the squad is shaping up. Remember we have Tony Cottey to come back which in a way is like signing another experienced batsman."

The county hope to finalise the situation regarding their overseas player in the next few days.

They are concerned about the availability of Michael Bevan because of Australia's international schedule and are likely instead to re-engage Murray Goodwin, probably on a two-year contract.