Andy calls on old pal Smith

I understand Murray has already struck an agreement with Leon Smith, a 31-year-old fellow Scot, to travel with him for around 10 weeks next season.

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Murray, 20, is also expected to make greater use of a specialist trainer as he spurns the idea — and expense — of hiring another world-renowned coach like Gilbert.

Smith, currently the LTA's national Under 16 coach, worked with Murray for five years from the age of 11. He is likely to be part of a team that is expected to include dedicated clay and grass court coaches next year.

Smith has remained on excellent terms with Murray and popped up at the Madrid Masters last month, when he spent a week watching first-hand the methods used by Gilbert, who is employed directly by the LTA at a salary of £750,000 a year.

Murray has been on holiday in Miami and yesterday ended months of speculation by announcing the termination of their arrangement.

He said: "I'm ranked 11 in the world and can now afford to pay my own way and hire a team of experts, each to fulfil a specific role in my development."

Gilbert still has 18 months remaining on his three-year LTA contract.

To justify the expense, a portion of the American's time has been spent educating coaches in England and his work in this area has been highly valued in trying to raise the standards of homegrown mentors.

Sportsmail understands there is scope in his contract for renegotiation in the event of Gilbert splitting with Murray.

The American remains on good terms with the LTA, who are keen to retain his experience, albeit on a more limited basis and at a substantially lower pay scale.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper admitted they are "currently reviewing" Gilbert's situation.