The South African born batsman, who qualifies for England in October and is widely tipped for an immediate call-up, is out of contract at Trent Bridge at the end of this season.

And although it seemed throughout last winter that his days with Notts were numbered, Director of Cricket Mick Newell has offered him a chance of a long-term future.

Pietersen insisted after a dressing room bust-up at the end of last season that he would not play for Notts again. But he still had a year of his contract to run and Notts insisted he must see it through.

Said Newell: "What happened during the winter is all in the past. KP said when we resolved the situation that he would come back and do his best for us and there's no doubt that he has been a key member of the team pushing for promotion on two fronts.

"Everyone knows he's a fine player who will only get better. I've got no doubts that he will play for England and do well at the top level and we want him to do it as a Notts player.

"We've offered a new three year contract. The ball is now in KP's court and hopefully he will feel he wants to carry on scoring runs for Notts."

Pietersen enjoyed a fantastic season in 2003 when he scored 1546 first-class runs at an average of 51.53 and has maintained his standards this year, with 817 runs at 54.47, including three centuries.