Jordan deny completed Irvine deal
Jordan have denied claims that Eddie Irvine has already agreed a deal to replace Takuma Sato next season.
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart commented that the Ulsterman would return to his former team.
Japan's Sato has left to join BAR as a test driver after an erratic first season with the Silverstone-based outfit.
But a Jordan spokeswoman said: "We have not agreed anything with any driver regarding the number two seat at Jordan.
"There are a number of conversations taking place but nothing has been finalised."
Irvine's main rivals for the seat are the Brazilian duo of Felipe Massa, released after one season with Sauber, and Enrique Bernoldi, without a drive because of Arrows' cash problems.
The Ulsterman's chances of returning to the team where he started his career in 1993 rely on Benson & Hedges upping their financial backing of the team.
The cigarette giant are understood to be keen on the team signing a high-profile British driver.
But whoever wants the drive alongside Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella will have to come up with at least £5m (€7.7m) after Eddie Jordan's outfit lost their deal with main sponsors Deutsche Post.
Bernoldi is believed to have lost the backing of energy company Red Bull which could put him out of the frame, while Massa was quoted recently as saying he would be prepared to return to Sauber as a test driver.
