Discount fashion outlet TK Maxx has joined the race to secure a package of Comet stores, as administrator Deloitte prepares to close another 14 by the end of the week.

TK Maxx is understood to be eyeing 25 of the collapsed electricals retailer’s stores, alongside other retailers Dixons, Maplin, Blockbuster and value chain B&M Bargains, which are all in the running.

“There are a maximum of 100 Comet stores that are viable, which will be cherry picked, with the remainder closing down,” a source told the Sunday Express.

In addition, Deloitte is seeking to sell the website and brand, with white goods etailer Appliances Online and online retailer Shop Direct in talks with them.

Comet has already closed 27 stores and another 14 are earmarked to be shut by the end of the week, putting another 800 jobs at risk on top of the 1,000 jobs already lost. The retailer had 236 stores when it was still operating.

Rival electricals retailer Dixons Retail is understood to be in discussions with Deloitte to employ 200 Comet whitegoods specialists and delivery workers in full-time roles.