AN East Lancashire-based defence giant has denied that it has already signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates for 60 Typhoon fighter jets.

A spokesman for defence company BAE Systems, which is based in Samlesbury and Wart-on, said that ‘positive’ talks have been going on between them, the UAE, and the government for ‘some time’.

However, the company has refused to be drawn on when a deal might be signed, and for exactly how much it might be worth.

The deal is expected to safeguard the jobs of 11,000 workers in Lancashire, including 6,000 at Samlesbury.

The statement comes after speculation over the weekend that a deal was due to be signed over the next few days.

Prime Minister David Cameron lent his support to BAE Systems at the weekend while speaking at the Dubai Air Show, in the Gulf state.

A BAE Systems spokesman said: “BAE Systems continues to have a positive dialogue with the Government of UAE, supported by the UK Government, regarding the possible sale of Typhoon aircraft.

“We believe that Typhoon is the leading multi-role combat aircraft and is the best solution to meet the defence requirements of the UAE.”

The company said it would not release any further information surrounding the deal until talks had concluded between all parties.