Manchester in running to host WTA Finals from 2019

The season-ending tournament featuring the best eight female players of the year is four years into a five-year deal with Singapore.

The WTA has begun to explore options for the next contract and it is believed Manchester is a strong contender.

A WTA spokeswoman told Press Association Sport: "We are talking to a number of venues that have indicated an interest in the WTA Finals event for 2019 and beyond.

"We're in the early stages of this process. Manchester is one of several destinations that have reflected an initial interest in learning more about the opportunity."

With the success of the men's equivalent tournament at London's O2 Arena over the past eight years, it is no surprise Britain is seen as a desirable destination.

More than 250,000 people flock to the Greenwich peninsula every November, with the ATP virtually selling out two sessions a day for what is by far its biggest money-spinner.

The WTA Finals, which began in 1972, does not attract the same crowds.

The tournament was held in the US until 2000 before moving to the likes of Munich, Madrid, Doha and Istanbul.

There has not been a European host for a decade and, with seven of the current top eight being European, there is a strong case to bring it back.

Much with Andy Murray and London, the presence in the top eight of Britain's Johanna Konta would also appear to strengthen Manchester's claim.

The city hosts a second-tier Challenger event every summer at the Northern club in Didsbury.

Manchester Arena, meanwhile, was the preferred choice for the 2015 Davis Cup semi-final against Australia but the Lawn Tennis Association was unable to persuade Florence and the Machine to change their concert dates and the tie was eventually held in Glasgow.