Yorkshire have hinted that they may sign another overseas player should the ECB allow Phil Jaques to play under a British passport.
The 32-year-old Australian has signed up for a second spell at Headingley after retiring from first-class cricket in Australia, where he played for New South Wales.
"As a British passport holder, he can come and work in England without a work permit," said Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire's Director of Professional Cricket.
"But we have to make sure all the boxes are ticked with regard to the ECB regulations.
"They may not allow it, but hopefully they will and if we get Phil's clearance we probably would sign somebody else. We've got a few irons in the fire."
Jaques, who has played in 11 Tests for his country, qualifies for a UK passport through having British parents.