Europe's mobile networks are battling for rights to distribute the iPhone – and now it seems T-Mobile may lead the pack.

Contrary to previous reports which have claimed Vodafone or (possibly) Orange as most likely to seal the European distribution deal for Apple's future mobile device, it now seems T-Mobile is going to take the prize.

Marketing Week claims T-Mobile is leading the race, partially because the company has been actively pushing its brand into the music market.

An exclusive deal with T-Mobile may not be ideal, observed Gartner research director Martin Gutberlet. Noting the fragmented nature of the European mobile market, and the country-by-country difference in network coverage, he recommends Apple work with multiple firms in Europe.

Apple has achieved an exclusive deal with AT&T in the US for the iPhone, and is thought to be seeking out an exclusive partner for Europe.

See PC Advisor's iPhone review.