Somerset have moved to replace Justin Langer by signing Middlesex opener Nick Compton.

The 26-year-old is the grandson of legendary England batsman Denis Compton, who, among other honours, scored 17 Test hundreds between 1937 and 1957.

Following Langer’s retirement, Compton has signed a ‘long-term deal’ with Somerset after declining the offer of a two-year contract at Lord’s.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose rates Compton, who played for England A in 2006, as a potential full international, and possible future county captain. He said: “Whilst Somerset were in India (for the Champions League) I became aware of the possibility that Nick Compton may be leaving Middlesex so we have acted speedily to sign him for Somerset.

“With the knowledge in the last few months that Justin Langer was to be leaving, one of the key areas to strengthen was the top order and Nick will join our crop of younger players like Jos Buttler and Chris Jones.

“He is a player that we think has potential to bat in the top three and be at Somerset for many years to come.

“In 2006, Nick had a very good season, scoring six hundreds in Division One of the Championship, and went on the England A tour, so we think he can be a great asset to our batting line-up. Last season he had a very strong season, particularly in one-day cricket, and he was also solid in the Championship.”

Compton’s father, Richard, emigrated to South Africa so Nick was born and raised in Durban before moving to England to take up a scholarship at Harrow School in his mid-teens.

After attending Durham University, and appearances for England Under-19s, the right-hander made his Middlesex debut in 2004 and has since averaged 33.95 in first-class cricket and 40.13 in one-day matches.

Rose added: “He has mainly opened in his career, but he could bat at three, or Arul (Suppiah) could drop down. That is an issue for the captain (Marcus Trescothick).

“Playing for England is his ambition, to follow his relation the great Denis Compton. It is great that he has that and there is no reason why he cannot do it. He is a very confident character and that is one of the attractions of him.

“I hate to put a tag on people but he might be a future captain of the club. He’s got the character to do it.”