Andy Murray is poised to relinquish his association with the most recognised name in British tennis history. It is understood that the British No 1 intends to start wearing the clothes and shoes of the K-Swiss company next year, ending his deal with Fred Perry, the company that identified him as a future prospect when he became the US Open junior champion in 2004 and has supported him ever since.

Murray has stayed loyal to the Perry name but it is believed that the time has come for him to break away from a traditional company and join one that may offer more lucrative benefits and that, famously, once clothed Anna Kournikova.

The deal with K-Swiss is believed to be worth $3 million (about £2 million) and will be announced when Murray plays in an exhibition event over the new year period in Abu Dhabi with Rafael Nadal, the Wimbledon champion and world No 1, and Roger Federer, among others. From there, Murray is scheduled to play in a tour event in Doha before the Australian Open, which begins on January 19. Murray is among the hottest properties in the world game and it was assumed that the two leading companies, Nike and adidas, might bid for his services but it is clear that K-Swiss has recognised his rise in terms of both rankings and publicity as a means of improving its portfolio.

Murray has spent the past three weeks training at the University of Miami and will be at home for a few days over Christmas before embarking on what could be the most intriguing period of his professional career.