Kent’s want-away all-rounder Matt Coles has joined Hampshire on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old rejected a new deal at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, last week and the Maidstone-born former England Lions prospect has opted for a move to the Ageas Bowl to join Yorkshire Bank 40 semi-finalists Hampshire.

Coles - who has also attracted the interest of Division 1 side Derbyshire - took 1-60 in 19 overs for his new side in the LV= County Championship Division 2 clash with Lancashire at Southport on Wednesday.

Coles - who will wear number 78 for his new side - said; “I’m delighted to be joining Hampshire for the remainder of the 2013 season. I have played against and alongside many of the guys in the team and look forward to a very productive time at The Ageas Bowl.”

After rejecting the offer of an extended stay with Kent, Coles said: “It would be remiss of me to say that this decision is not tinged with a certain amount of sadness but I feel now is the right time for me to move on in pursuit of my medium and long term career ambitions.”

He added: “I would like to thank Kent for all the opportunities and support they have afforded me over my 12 years at the county, as both a junior and professional. “I would also like to reflect my gratitude to Jimmy Adams, Simon Willis, my team mates and all the support staff for making my time at the club an enormously enjoyable one, I wish them all the best for the future.

“Lastly, and by no means least, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the members and supporters who have always been a source of inspiration to me.”

Coles’ last appearance for Kent came against Hampshire in the championship at Southampton in early June.

Since then the right-arm seamer, left-hand batter took time off for personal reasons and was limited to YB40 and t20 appearances.