Virgin Media confirms ESPN talks

Virgin Media is in talks with ESPN about its recently secured TV rights to English Premier League games.

It was announced last night that the Disney-owned firm had acquired the rights to games previously held by Irish broadcaster Setanta, comprised of 46 matches in the 2009-10 season and 23 matches in each of the following three seasons.

A deal has already been agreed with Sky for the games to be offered to its residential and commercial customers.

However, ESPN said that it is in negotiations with other parties about broadcasting the football packages, which includes Virgin Media.

A spokesperson for the cable operator confirmed to Digital Spy today: "We're currently in talks with ESPN about their purchase of the Premier League content previously owned by Setanta.

"At this time our customers will still be able to enjoy sports content on Setanta channels, however if this situation changes we will be letting our customers know."

Setanta has also lost the rights to games in the Scottish Premier League after failing to meet its payments schedule.

On the possibility of ESPN bidding for these rights, a spokesman for the firm said: "We're interested in rights where they are available and they make business sense."