GOLFING great Ernie Els is one of the names being linked to the sale of a prestigious Herefordshire castle and its grounds.

Hampton Court has a guide price of £10 million, 1,000 acres of land, extensively restored gardens - and a fascinating history.

Agents Knight Frank have received a lot of interest in the property and are on the verge of a deal - however they won't confirm who the buyer is until all the contracts are set in stone.

"We are just waiting for the ink to dry," said selling agent Tim Jessop.

Mark Bell, from Els' agents, International Sports Management, couldn't confirm his client's intentions.

"I certainly don't know anything about it," he said - but added Els could have an interest in the property.

South African Els, who already owns a home in Surrey, has just undergone keyhole surgery on his left knee and looks set to miss the rest of the pro-golf season.

Castle manager Ed Waghorn said in July that a golfing concern had been to look around the property, along with various other interested parties.

But he was unavailable for comment as the Hereford Times went to press.

Meanwhile, another Herefordshire castle has also attracted the attention of the world's rich and famous.

A Sunday newspaper claims Eastnor Castle is one of four venues being considered as the possible location for the wedding of glamour model Jordan and her boyfriend Peter Andre.

But Jordan, who plans to wear the world's longest ever wedding dress on her big day, is keeping her fans guessing as to where the showbiz extravaganza will take place in September.

Sarah Maddison, wedding co-ordinator at Eastnor Castle, would not comment but didn't deny the rumours circulating in the national media.

The 19th century Herefordshire castle is no stranger to celebrity weddings and hosted the marriage of Big Brother presenter Davina McCall to Matthew Robertson five years ago.