Nick Compton: Somerset and England batsman leaves Taunton

Nick Compton joined Somerset in 2010 from Middlesex

Former England Test opener Nick Compton has left Somerset by mutual agreement to "relocate to south west London."

The 31-year-old batsman played nine Tests after scoring 1,494 first-class runs in 2012, but was dropped for the following summer's Ashes series and has failed to regain his place since.

After being he signed a new three-year deal last year.

Compton began his career with Middlesex and BBC London 94.9 understands the Lord's side are favourites to sign him.

Middlesex need an opener to replace Chris Rogers, who is set to be away on international duty with Australia for much of 2015, but the club have yet to comment on speculation linking Compton with a return to north London.

Compton said upon leaving Somerset: "I've loved playing here, but I always set high standards and I don't want to compromise myself or the club."

The South Africa-born man has fallen down the England pecking order having been ousted as Alastair Cook's opening partner by Joe Root, despite back-to-back centuries in New Zealand in early 2013.

Since then, Michael Carberry and Sam Robson have had spells opening, with Root, Gary Ballance and Moeen Ali seemingly securing long-term slots in the middle-order.

Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard added: "I'm sorry to see Nick depart but it is fundamental that he, or any player for that matter, wants to be here and is able to perform to the best of their ability - sadly this is not something Nick feels able to achieve at this time."