16 JANUARY 1971, Page 8

Murdoch longs

But what of the quid pro quo, the reciprocal deal long talked of which would compensate Associated Newspapers for the ignominious loss of the Daily Mail to the Daily Express, by which the Evening Standard would be handed over to the Evening News? This may no longer be on. My same source, arguing that both evening papers are at the moment marginally profitable (as indeed I hear else+ where), asserts quite categorically: 'There is no prospect—barring utter economic dis, aster—of a merger and if there was a mer+ ger Murdoch is longing to move in'.

I bet he is. Powerful men will fight to keep him out. More next week, I hope.