TWO Test batsmen who are sons of former internationals are on Durham's radar for next season.

Stephen Cook, son of Jimmy, could play until South Africa begin their four-Test series in this country in early July, after which the plan is for New Zealand's Tom Latham to take over.

Latham's father, Rod, played in four Tests in 1992-93, the same period in which Jimmy Cook earned three caps aged 39 after South Africa emerged from isolation.

Prior to that Cook enjoyed three very prolific seasons with Somerset and he also coached Hampshire in the early 2000s.

While not having to wait as long as his father, Stephen Cook made his Test debut aged 33 a year ago against England, scoring a century at Centurion.

A right-hander, he would be expected to open with Keaton Jennings, who might also be required for the Test series starting on July 6 following his success in the final two Tests in India.

Jennings has confirmed he will stay with Durham following speculation that he might exercise a get-out clause in his contract following the relegation imposed by the ECB. The management are planning further talks with him this month about a possible captainy role.

At 24, Latham has played in 27 Tests for New Zealand as an opening batsman. He can also keep wicket and had a spell with Kent last season.

He made a few appearances for Durham seconds while playing club cricket in the North-East in 2011.

While Durham wait for Sir Ian Botham to take over as chairman he is happy to leave negotiations with potential overseas players to existing staff, but has approved the moves for Cook and Latham.

At the end of the recent Test series, Botham told an Indian journalist he would be speaking to Virat Kohli about coming to Durham.

The India captain would not be available this year but has said he would like to play county cricket ahead of the 2018 Test series in this country