F1: Mc Laren's Lewis Hamilton to replace Michael Schumacher at Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of a sensational switch to Mercedes, according to former team owner Eddie Jordan.

Jordan, now a pundit for the BBC, claims a deal is 'imminent' with Hamilton, who is out of contract at the end of the season, set to end his 13-year career with McLaren.

Michael Schumacher will be the driver who would make way for Hamilton, with the seven-times champion ready to announce his retirement from the sport for a second time.

'I believe Hamilton and Mercedes have already agreed personal terms and a deal could be imminent,' Jordan told the BBC.

'Some weeks ago I said on TV that I felt Lewis was on the move and I had an idea at the time he had been speaking to Ferrari, which we now know is true.

'But I can now confirm his people have had meetings with Mercedes.

'Bernie Ecclestone made it clear to me live on television on Sunday that Schumacher was leaving, although Schumacher later played it down.

'So it would appear Michael is leaving and Lewis is arriving at Mercedes. Hamilton has not agreed terms with McLaren yet.'

Jordan's comments, meanwhile, have been dismissed as a McLaren spokesperson said: 'We have been told by Lewis Hamilton's management team (XIX Entertainment) the story is untrue.'

In addition, a spokesperson for XIX has insisted Hamilton is more on the brink of re-signing with McLaren than moving elsewhere.

The spokesperson said: 'As mentioned in the past by all parties, we are in advanced discussions with McLaren about a new deal.

'More importantly, at the moment, Lewis is focused on Monza (this weekend's Italian Grand Prix) and competing strongly for the championship.'

Hamilton's future has long been the subject of such speculation - he is out of contract at the end of this season.

The fact no new deal has been agreed yet, despite intense periods of negotiation between XIX, Hamilton and McLaren, has only added fuel to the fire he could end his 14-year association with the Woking-based team having been initially signed as a 13-year-old.

Mercedes have been mooted as a potential option, in particular as the German manufacturing giant have yet to offer any indication as to whether Michael Schumacher is to re-sign for one more year.