Ganassi expected to move for Kanaan

Kanaan, whose AGR contract expires at the end of this season, is being lined up to replace the Briton in the reigning champion team, according to American website SpeedTV.

The Brazilian has been AGR's top driver this season but is yet to sign a contract extension he was offered in July, while Ganassi is rumoured to be unhappy with Wheldon's performances on the road and street courses, of which there will be more on the 2009 calendar.

Kanaan has not commented on the speculation and when asked about a deal, Ganassi told SpeedTV: "I don't know what you're talking about, but feel free to give him my phone number."

But when asked whether he would pursue a driver of Kanaan's ability, he added: "I think you'd have to look at it. You have to do the right thing for your team and sponsors."

The move would leave Wheldon in a difficult position with the only options that could maintain his reported $3 million salary being Team Penske, who are set for 2009 with Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe, Andretti Green Racing, who he left at the end of 2005, and Indy boss Tony George's own Vision Racing team.