The Otago Daily Times understands Auckland top-order batsman Anaru Kitchen has signed with Otago.
Another Aucklander, Lachlan Ferguson, has also been shopping around as the young fast bowler looks for more playing opportunities.
Northern Districts opener Brad Wilson is also understood to be interested in moving south. It is unclear whether he has committed to Otago yet but a source confirmed Wilson had been in contact with the association.
The chances of former Black Cap Jesse Ryder returning next summer appear slim, although nothing has been confirmed.
''At the moment, I can't confirm any of that,'' Otago coach Nathan King said when contacted for comment.
The six major associations will announce the first round of provincial contract offers on July 22. Each association contracts 15 players but only nine to 14 players are offered contracts in the first round.
While King declined to confirm whether Kitchen would be playing his cricket in the South this summer, the 31-year-old right-hander would certainly help plug the gap left by the retirement of Aaron Redmond.
Kitchen made his first-class debut for Auckland in March 2009 and, in 51 games for the province, has scored 2893 runs at an average of 36.62, including six centuries.
A clean-hitting middle-order batsman, Kitchen was moved around the order last summer and, in Otago, will have an opportunity to cement a spot at No4. He will also bring some experience to a side which has lost several key performers during the past few seasons.
Should former Northern Districts captain Wilson also make the move, Otago would have a ready-made replacement for Redmond at the top of the order.
Wilson (30) has played 78 first-class games and scored more than 4000 first-class runs. He is a proven player who would add to the Volts' depth.
Ferguson is at the other end of the spectrum. The 24-year-old is still making his way at the top level but has impressed with the pace at which he is able to bowl.
In 10 first-class games, Ferguson has taken 28 wickets at an average of 30.14. It will be interesting to see how he develops should he decide to transfer to Otago.
Either way, the Volts have seen much change, both on the field and in the front office.
The association has a new chief executive after Mike Coggan replaced Ross Dykes at the end of last season, King has replaced Dimitri Mascarenhas as coach, and the team will need a new captain following Redmond's retirement.
