ACCRINGTON Stanley could announce a new shirt-sponsorship deal early next week.

Negotiations are under way between the club and at least two interested businesses, since Stanley and Hyndburn Council ended a £45,000 three-year sponsorship deal last week.

The contract had run for less than a year. The withdrawal is part of hard-up Hyndburn Council's attempt to recoup its £1.8 million deficit.

Stanley administrator Rob Heys yesterday declined to comment on one rumour that a deal is to be struck with a large local retailer.

But he said a number of firms were interested in having their names on the red Stanley shirts and an agreement may be reached early next week.

He continued: "There are still one or two interested parties. The club is just working out which it will go with.

"We're hoping to sort it all out and possibly have an announcement on Tuesday,"

The retail manager for the local firm rumoured to be preparing a deal was away on business yesterday. However, a PR spokeswoman said she was unaware of any negotiations or deals.

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said a deal with a high-profile local firm would be welcome.

The council is trying to make savings across-the-board. It is cutting spending by 15 per cent across all services.

However, will continue to sponsor two home games per season, costing around £1,000 annually, support local soccer schools, and assist with training facilities when the club goes full-time professional next season.

Following last week's announcement, Labour Coun Tim O'Kane repeated his belief that local authorities should not spend public money supporting football clubs.

But Coun Britcliffe said the borough had received excellent publicity by having its logo on Stanley players' shirts.