Shares of JJB were given a boost as rumours of a management buy-out began to circle.

The sportswear chain’s shares rose as high as 117.5p on the speculation, however some traders believe that JJB’s management should wait till the price drops if they are to make a move. Others have also advised that acting now would be preferable before customers begin buying sports kits for the Olympics.

Last month, JJB strengthened its lifestyle division, buying shoe chain Qube from Sir Tom Hunter’s West Coast Capital for£1. This will run as a separate division within the business alongside the Original Shoe Company, which it acquired in December.