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Somerset will be keen to re-sign Chris Gayle next season despite controversy surrounding the West Indian's controversial comments while playing in the Big Bash League.
Gayle was heavily criticised by BBL organisers, former players and his team Melbourne Renegades over an interview with Ten Network after his innings against Hobart Hurricanes on Monday.
The opener told reporter Mel McLaughlin: "Hopefully we can win this game and you and I can have a drink after. Don't blush baby."
He was subsequently fined, but avoided any suspension after apologising to McLaughlin for his remarks.
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Gayle played for Somerset in the T20 Blast last season and had been earmarked to return to the county, something chief executive Guy Lavender is still keen to go through with.
"We aspire to get the very best players in the world," he told BBC Somerset. "We have the finances available.
"We know Chris Gayle really enjoyed his time when he was here.
"Last season he was tremendous on and off the pitch, all the pieces of the jigsaw need to align and we'll see where we get to over the next month."
However, one potential team-mate at Somerset – Chris Rogers – was not impressed with Gayle's comments and response to the incident.
Speaking to ABC he said: "I know this guy, [it is a] bit difficult because he might be playing at Somerset where I'm going to [be] playing this coming year, but from my time at the [Sydney] Thunder I was very disappointed with his attitude and his behaviour.
"I've never been a fan since. I listened to that and didn't see it as funny at all.
"He says it's just a joke, well it's not just a joke is it?
"And his apology? He's basically saying, 'oh well if she feels bad about it then I feel bad about that' but he's not actually saying he's sorry he said it."