Setanta clashes with terrestrial TV over England match screenings

If a deal is not reached, the start of England's 2010 football World Cup qualifying campaign could become the first major England international not to be shown to terrestrial viewers.

Fabio Cappello makes his competitive debut in his new job as England manager when the team play Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday. The match is closely followed by a clash with Croatia next Wednesday.

It is understood that both the BBC and ITV have been in contact with Setanta expressing an interest in the highlights package.

The BBC is thought to have made a firm bid, which was turned down by Setanta because it felt the amount offered was too low.

A Setanta Sports spokeswoman said the company was "still talking to broadcasters" to thrash out an eleventh-hour deal.

"We've entered into discussions to make available the highlights with two terrestrial broadcasters but to date we haven't received a proposal that makes commercial sense," she said.

Last year, Setanta won the live rights to around 90 qualifying matches ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They include most of the away games for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

ITV holds the rights to show England’s home international matches and a number of friendlies, including England's away match against Germany in November.