Sussex are confident of agreeing a long-term deal for their new fast bowling star Rana Naved Ul-Hasan.

Initial discussions with the Pakistani and his agent have begun and the 27-year-old has already told Sussex he does not want to play county cricket anywhere else.

The day after scoring his maiden century for Sussex, Rana took four wickets in an over to take his tally to 38 from six matches.

His second innings burst against Middlesex at Lord's yesterday, when he removed Jamie Dalrymple, Paul Weekes, Ben Scott and Peter Trego for ducks, helped Sussex wrap up an innings win with two days to spare.

Their third successive Championship victory has lifted them a point clear at the top of the first division with three games to go.

Director of cricket Peter Moores said: "There are always provisos with international players and his availability next season will be restricted if he gets chosen for Pakistan's tour here in June.

"But he's done outstandingly well since he came to us. He has harnessed all his obvious skills with tremendous energy and enthusiasm every time he steps onto the field.

"The way he has reacted this week to playing at Lord's for only the second time and getting a hundred and then bowling so well is a lesson to everyone.

"He is loving every minute of it. He's a captain's dream because he will bowl all day and he has fitted in well in the dressing room."