The Icann rumour mill is on overdrive today as the fourth version of the Draft Applicant Guidebook for the new gTLD program is expected to be published at some point during the day.

This latest instalment of the rules a prospective new gTLD applicant would have to follow is greatly anticipated. Icann staff have claimed that this version should be considered as almost final, with only minor tweaks needed to transition to the definitive Applicant Guidebook due to be published in December 2010.

Proponents and opponents of new gTLDs therefore wait with baited breath for the DAGv4 to come out. The former to check that the program is indeed nearing conclusion while the latter are no doubt already looking opportunities to generate further delays.

If the rumours are right, we should know more in a few hours…