Ananova:

Jordan have reportedly agreed a verbal deal with driver Jos Verstappen for the 2004 season.

F1Racing.net report that the Dutchman's principal backer Trust revealed that a deal has been reached, although a contract has yet to be signed.

Verstappen's backers are said to have issued a 4pm GMT deadline to Eddie Jordan's team to come up with an agreement for the new season.

And although a spokesman for the team said in an earlier statement that there were "no plans for any announcements tonight (Friday)", a deal seems to have been struck.

Michel Perridon, Trust's chief executive, heads a group of Dutch sponsors who are backing Verstappen, and have a reported 10million US dollars to spend over the coming season.

Perridon's ultimatum to Jordan was either to sign Verstappen by Friday afternoon or to risk losing out on any potential deal.

"We are glad to have moved so much closer to having this all resolved," F1Racing.net quotes Perridon as saying.

"Jos is an excellent driver and thoroughly deserves a seat in Formula One."

A Jordan spokeswoman told the website: "We are not in any position to make any announcements until all the agreements are concluded and signed. I can tell you at the moment that it is not the case with anyone."

	Related stories: Glock clocks in for Jordan 11:21 Thursday 19th February 2004 Verstappen looks abroad 17:19 Wednesday 18th February 2004 More related stories

	Check for more on: JordanFord F1 Motorsport

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