JOHANN Louw could still be the professional at East Lancs this season, despite Northamptonshire unveiling him as their new signing this week.

The Lancashire League champions have hit back at Northants' claims they have snapped up the 24-year-old South African by insisting he is still contracted to play at Alexandra Meadows this year.

East Lancs cricket chairman Larry Pearson said: "Despite the announcement from Northants I still have his contract he signed last year so I'll be asking for advice.

"Any contract he has signed with Northants will not be valid if he's contracted to play for East Lancs so we're waiting for them to get back to us with an explanation.

"Johann confirmed he faxed back a contract to Northants but we said we still expect him to play for East Lancs next season."

However, Pearson conceded that if Louw wants to move into county cricket they might have to consider letting him go.

"He wants to further his career," said Pearson. "We could insist he plays for us but it runs the risk of a player not being committed to the club."