Mobile phone group Vodafone Ireland yesterday confirmed that it is in negotiations with the Dublin GAA County Board to sponsor its senior football and hurling teams.

“The company will not make any comment on the negotiations while they are ongoing,” Vodafone said.

“It is expected that the Dublin County Board will make a statement next week at the conclusion of their process.”

The Irish Timesrevealed yesterday that Vodafone is set to sign a six-year deal worth about €800,000 a year plus bonuses. Mobile rival Meteor pulled out of talks with the Dublin County Board on Thursday leaving the field clear for Vodafone.

Dublin has been without a sponsor since Arnotts ended its 18-year association with the county at the end of this season’s All Ireland championships.