Durham have pulled off a real coup by securing the services of South African Herschelle Gibbs as one of their overseas players for next season, writes PAUL FRASER.

And the aggressive opening batsman has revealed the opportunity to witness Premiership football in the North-East has helped him make up his mind about putting pen to paper at the club.

Gibbs has been smashing the England attack to all parts during the first two Test matches - his best being 179 in the first Test at Edgbaston - and Durham have moved quickly to clinch Gibbs' signature.

And the 29-year-old hopes he will be joined at the Riverside next summer by fellow countryman Dewald Pretorius, who is thought to be in talks about extending his stay.

He said: "The fact that there are two Premier League clubs - Newcastle and Middlesbrough - in the area will also be an attraction. I think Dewald is also negotiating to go back there next year, so it will be nice if we can fill the two overseas slots.

"I will be available to Durham for five months, from April until August, and Gerald Majola (President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa) has cleared the move as far as the UCB are concerned."

His arrival is likely to mean Martin Love won't be back next year.

His arrival is seen as a major statement made by Durham and club chiefs hope the capture will help bring on the Academy players. ''We are delighted with the signing of such an experienced player and I am confident he will make a major impact on the field as well helping some of the younger players develop,'' said chief executive David Harker.

Chairman Bob Jackson added: ''I'm sure that Herschelle's style will provide real entertainment to the Durham fans.''

Gibbs has played 47 Tests for South Africa and he has 11 half centuries and nine centuries to his credit. He is currently ranked tenth in the world.