Batsman and former captain Sam Northeast has left Kent and signed for Hampshire on a four year deal.

The 28-year-old turned down the club’s offers of a long-term contract extension and he was reluctantly given permission to talk to other first class counties.

Northeast was capped in 2012 and scored 19 first-class centuries in 135 matches, two centuries and 13 fifties in 86 one-day games as well as a hundred and 17 half-centuries in 90 T20 matches.

Northeast said: “I have had a really enjoyable 10 years at Kent Cricket and I would like to wish the club and its supporters the best of luck for the future.

“It was an honour to be the Club Captain and I leave the club with many happy memories.”

The club has received an undisclosed fee in compensation from Hampshire as Northeast had a year left on his Kent contract.

Kent Cricket CEO Ben Green said: “It’s sad that Sam has decided to leave Kent. We wish him well and thank him for all his efforts during his time with Kent.

“We are encouraged by the progress the squad is making on the FGS Plant Tour and we continue to look at strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.”