SKY SPORTS is reportedly set to pen a new deal which will see them bag the rights to screen England’s tour of South Africa this winter.

The broadcaster has been showing the Three Lions’ current Test against Pakistan.

England, who were forced to deal with Ben Stokes’ shock international retirement in June, have already wrapped up the series win.

And they will jet out to South Africa for three Tests in December and January.

The Telegraph report Sky Sports is on the verge of securing the rights for the series.

It is thought that the agreement would allow the TV giant to show South Africa’s home clashes with England, Australia and Bangladesh in the coming months.

Sky Sports already has a long-term contract to show cricket played on home soil.

A £220million-a-year deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board is on course to remain in place until the end of the 2028 summer.

And it allows Sky Sports to show all home international and domestic matches.

But TNT Sports has screened each of the last three Ashes tours in Australia.

Sky Sports allowed their rival to profit after snubbing the chance to get their hands on the rights to winter tours.

Chiefs reckon deals have been over-priced and often poorly timed during the festive period.

TNT Sports has also shown England tours in New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

England’s tour of South Africa gets underway on December 17, when they head to Johannesburg.

Two more Test matches will follow at the iconic stadiums in Centurion and Cape Town.

Sky Sports has England legends Stuart Broad, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton among their star-studded commentators.

The Three Lions entered a new era earlier this summer, with Joe Root being named captain for a second time following Stokes’ sudden exit.