The likes of Sky and Vodafone are exploring possible bids to buy TalkTalk which would value the broadband provider at £3bn, according to reports.
Sky News and the FT have said the owners of the Salford-headquartered company has received "tentative approaches" while investment bank Lazard is understood to have talking to prospective buyers.
Comcast-owned Sky and Vodafone have been named as potential bidders for the business which was taken provide in a £1.1bn deal last year.
