Wiggins keen for Team Sky switch

Wiggins has a year left on his contract with Garmin

Bradley Wiggins has told his Garmin-Slipstream American team that he would like to join Britain's Team Sky.

The 28-year-old three-time Olympic track champion, who was fourth in the 2009 Tour de France, has been linked with a move since Team Sky was formed.

"He has let it be known to me that he'd like to be with Sky," Garmin manager Jonathan Vaughters told BBC Sport.

"I haven't spoken to him recently, but I think he has a strong desire to be part of the first UK pro team."

On Saturday, French newspaper L'Equipe said that Wiggins was being released from his contract with the American team.

Vaughters denied the L'Equipe report, stressing that Wiggins' contract with Garmin ran until 2010.

"It's important to remember that he signed a contract with us for two years," added Vaughters.

"I understand his desire to be part of the first UK pro-team, but I also have responsibilities to Garmin and the team's sponsors."

The three-time Olympic track champion withdrew from his previous Tour de France attempt in 2007, after finishing 124th in 2006 on his first ride, but he impressed with his performance this year.

606: DEBATE Will Wiggins join Sky?

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford has refused to comment on whether Wiggins would be joining the new team but it is clear he would like to have him on board.

Team Sky will compete from the start of 2010, beginning with January's Tour Down Under in Australia, and they hope to gain an invite to next year's Tour de France.