Sports retailer JJB Sports has confirmed interest from a number of parties about the possible sale of its fitness clubs arm.

In a statement JJB Sports said: “The Company confirms that it has received a number of non-binding indications of interest for this business and that discussions are continuing.

“There can be no certainty that any of these indicative indications of interest will result in a transaction or as to the terms of any such transaction. A further announcement will be made when appropriate.”

It has been reported that Mike Ashley, owner of rival Sports Direct, is plotting a bid for the clubs.

David Whelan, founder of JJB, could also make a bid.

Separately, a decision is imminent on the future of suspended JJB chief executive Chris Ronnie. It is expected he will be sacked following an investigation into a share owership controversy.