Mike Ashley is reportedly considering making a bid for Patisserie Valerie, a move which would give him even greater control of the high street.

Ashley has not made a formal bid for the cafe chain and could yet withdraw his interest but is considering making an offer, The Daily Mail reports.

The Sports Direct mogul already owns the sports business he founded along with House of Fraser, Evans Cycles and Agent Provocateur and has stakes in Debenhams, Game and French Connection among others.

He is currently in the process of trying to acquire HMV.

KPMG has been appointed as administrator of Patisserie Valerie, which finally fell into administration last week after a prolonged period of uncertainty brought about by accounting irregularities.

It has confirmed 920 job losses and closed 71 of the worst-performing sites. Another 2,000 jobs could be lost if a deal to secure the rest of the chain cannot be worked out. KPMG has yet to set a deadline for bids.

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