JORDAN-PEUGEOT yesterday played down reports that Ralf Schumacher, the brother of double world champion Michael, would be joining them next year.

Ralf, 21, who currently heads the Formula 3,000 standings, was reported by the German daily Bild to be signing for the Silverstone-based team before the Portuguese Grand Prix on September 22nd.

The Schumachers' manager, Willi Weber, was quoted as saying: "We will announce a deal at the race in Estoril next week." But Jordan denied that Schumacher had been recruited for 1997 and said negotiations with several drivers were continuing.

"It is just speculation," said team spokesperson Louise Goodman. "We have spoken with Schumacher's management, but have also talked to a number of other people. No decisions have yet been reached about next year and the situation is still open."

If Schumacher does link up with Jordan, he could be partnered by his brother's arch-rival, Damon Hill, who is still seeking a drive after his sacking from the Williams team.

Jordan are one of the front-runners to sign the World championship leader and team boss Eddie Jordan last week admitted he was interested in securing the Englishman's services.

Hill has also been linked with Benetton, McLaren and the new Stewart Grand Prix team since it was announced that Heinz-Harald Frentzen would partner Jacques Villeneuve for Williams next year.

Jordan's current drivers, Martin Brundle and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, are on one-year contracts and widely expected to be moving on at the end of this season.