Murray in LTA talks

Judy Murray is in talks with the Lawn Tennis Association over becoming the new Fed Cup captain, Press Association Sport understands.

The post has been vacant since the summer, when Nigel Sears resigned from his joint role as captain and head of women's tennis at the LTA to coach former world number one Ana Ivanovic.

Leon Smith took over responsibility for the women's game in October but, with the Scot also the head of men's tennis and Davis Cup captain, he is understandably keen to bolster his coaching team.

Smith has known the Murray family for many years having taken over from Judy as coach of her son Andy when the now world number four was 11, and they remain good friends.

The contract on offer to Judy, a former national coach of Scotland, is also likely to include a wider role working with young players, with the LTA keen to put her experience to good use.

The talks remain a work in progress but there is no hurry to tie up the deal given Britain's women are not in Fed Cup action until the first week of February.

Like the Davis Cup team, they are in Europe/Africa Zone Group I, and, with Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson and Laura Robson all making significant progress during 2011, hopes are high they could soon reach the World Group.

However, the regional group takes the form of a round-robin competition - being held in Eilat, Israel next year - with only two of the 15 teams achieving promotion, and there is some stiff competition.

Judy's recent work with the LTA has centred around grassroots participation and improving facilities, an area she is passionate about, while she also remains a valued member of Andy's team, particularly for her analysis of unfamiliar opponents.