Nottinghamshire have held talks with India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin over a move to Trent Bridge.
Ashwin could replace James Pattinson after he links up with Australia A next month, ahead of trying to force his way into their Ashes squad.
Notts have also spoken with at least one other player as they seek a 'world class' bowler heading into the final stretch of games.
The 32-year-old has experience of county cricket after playing for Worcestershire in the last two seasons, playing six games in total.
Reports in India say he would play six County Championship games, which mean his first match would be at Somerset on July 7, if a deal is agreed.
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Pattinson is currently out with a side injury, but is set to return to the side at Edgbaston, against Warwickshire, on June 3. His last game for Notts looks likely to be against Kent on June 17.
Director of cricket Mick Newell recently said Notts want an elite player to replace the fast bowler.
"We are likely to still want bowling potency. We aren't choosy, if you like, about whether it's a seamer or a spinner. We want to get a world class player in," he said.
Ashwin, who has 342 wickets and 2,361 runs in 65 Tests, courted controversy during the recent Indian Premier League with a 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler while playing for Kings XI Punjab.
Ashwin stopped in his delivery stride to remove the bails when England star Buttler was backing up.
The MCC later decided the move was not within the spirit of the game with Buttler still in his ground but for Ashwin's pause before running him out.
