Decathlon is eyeing stores put into administration by furniture retailer MFI last month as potential sites for its store expansion programme.

The French sports retailer’s development director Stephan Vyret confirmed that it is looking at several of the locations controlled by administrator Kroll, and would make a decision in the coming months.

Last month MFI put 95 of its weaker-performing stores – about half of its portfolio – into administration and Retail Week revealed many are likely to close completely.

Vyret said: “We’re looking at the list of disposals. If the location is good and the size is right, we will think about it.”

Decathlon plans to increase its portfolio to about 40 – from the six it has opened since arriving in the UK in 1997 – within five years. Its UK stores are between 30,000 and 50,000 sq ft (2,785 and 4,645 sq m) and are located throughout the UK in Stockport, Thurrock, Surrey Quays in London, Nottingham, Sheffield and Merry Hill retail park in Dudley.

Also understood to be interested in the MFI stores in administration is home and leisure garden retailer The Range. The Range declined to comment.

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