Debenhams, the department store chain, could enter the US by opening space in Sears department stores.

According to The Telegraph, the two retailers are in early talks about opening concession or franchise areas in Sears stores.

Debenhams has 60 franchised stores overseas and wants to increase this by 40 as it continues to expand outside of the UK.

The US has traditionally proved a difficult country for UK retailers to enter with the likes of Marks & Spencer and Laura Ashley failing to crack the market.

Sears has 4,000 stores in the US and Canada. In February, Sears shareholders were told that the business was “looking at adding world-class third-party retailers to our space”.

Sears has already signed deals with young fashion chain Forever 21 and lifestyle chain Lands’ End to take space in its shops.