Former Tesco US boss Tim Mason is in advanced talks to join Sun European, one of the front runners to buy up-for-sale retailer Dreams.

Mason, who left Tesco in December, is close to taking on the role of operating managing director at the private equity group, according to the FT.

He would help Sun run Dreams if it is successful in its bid for the chain, along with mature fashion retailers Bon Marché and Jacques Vert, sofa specialist ScS and furniture retailer Sharps.

Mason, who has been based in California for the past six years, would return to the UK to take up the role.

Along with his role running Tesco’s US business Fresh & East, Mason was also deputy chief executive and chief marketing officer at the grocer.

Sun and Dreams founder Mike Clare, who is backed by private equity firm Apollo, are front runners in the race to buy the beds retailer.

It is unclear whether Sir Philip Green is still in the race to buy the retailer. Sources said Green was planning to acquire the chain for his son Brandon.