Prolific batsman Glenn Blakeney could pad up for St George's this summer.

The veteran cricketer has indicated that he has no desire to play top flight cricket this summer and has been linked with First Division St George's.

It is understood that Blakeney has sought a release from newly promoted Cleveland County and already met with management at St George's, who are more than keen to have the top player join their ranks.

This latest development has shocked many at Cleveland, especially since Blakeney had vowed to stay on during the club's prize presentation held earlier this month.

“Three for fours weeks ago he indicated that he wasn't going anywhere so this is definitely a shock to the guys,” said a Cleveland spokesperson.

Neither Blakeney nor St George's chairman of selectors Lewis Foggo could be reached for comment yesterday.

Blakeney, who reportedly turned down an offer to play for Warwick next season, played an integral part in Cleveland gaining promotion to the Premier Division last season, and it had been hoped his services would help the team retain their top flight status this summer.

The potential departure of Blakeney could turn out to be another setback for Cleveland who will be without all-rounder Damali Bell for most of the season through school commitments abroad.

If it's any consolation, though, Cleveland have regained the services of spinner bowler Tamauri Tucker who is back following a brief stint at St David's.

Meanwhile, a move by Blakeney to St George's would help compensate for the loss of several key players who have either retired, transferred or serving suspensions.

Gone are former player/coach Clay Smith, wicketkeeper Dean Minors, top order bat Richard Todd, seam bowler Ricky Foggo and all-rounders Rudell Pitcher and Clay Darrell.

The trio of Smith, Pitcher and Foggo are headed to St David's, Darrell is believed to be moving to Young Men's Social Club while Todd is leaning towards joining brother Cal Waldron at PHC.

Swashbuckling batsman James Celestine is believed to be contemplating rejoining Flatts while wicketkeeper Minors has retired from playing.

St George's will also be without all-rounders Detroy Smith and Macai Simmons who are currently serving lengthy Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) imposed bans for bringing the game into disrepute.

Smith has been banned until November 1, 2014 and Simmons until May 1, 2013.

Bermuda Cricket Board's transfer deadline expires at 5pm today.