BOLTON rock star Badly Drawn Boy, aka Damon Gough, has been approached by ITV to write the theme tune to its new football highlights programme.

The singer, from Breightmet, has been asked to contribute a track which will be considered as the signature tune for the Saturday night round-up, to be presented by Des Lynam.

ITV won the rights to televise the highlights from the Premiership next season, but the new programme will not be allowed to use the famous Match of the Day theme music which soccer lovers have become familiar with over the years.

The programme makers are now looking for a suitable tune and have also asked U2, Moby and avant-garde classical composer Michael Nyman to consider submitting a song.

A spokesman said: "We have approached a number of artists and all have shown an interest."

Damon, a Manchester City supporter, is currently getting ready for his European tour this spring, which calls at the Royal Albert Hall and Manchester Apollo.

He may release another single from his The Hour of the Bewilderbeast album in the coming months and a compilation CD of his early EPs and a mini-album of new material is also being considered. He could pick up a Brit Award at the ceremony in London later this month after being nominated in two categories.