Mike Ashley eyes up to 80 BHS stores in fresh approach

In a letter to administrator Duff & Phelps, the Sports Direct founder said he was keen to save the brand and a number of jobs with the department store chain.

“We have written to the administrator seeking to re-open a dialogue about saving a number of jobs and stores along with the BHS name,” a Sports Direct spokesman confirmed to the BBC.

BHS is in the process of being wound down after administrators failed to find a buyer for the 88 year-old retailer, threatening 11,000 jobs. 

Duff & Phelps are expected to respond today to Ashley asking him to make a formal bid.

The controversial entrepreneur had made previous approaches for the chain. He told MPs earlier this month that he “100%” wanted to buy the chain.

In a separate parliamentary hearing, BHS’s former owner Dominic Chappell claimed that Sir Philip Green had blocked a sale to Sports Direct.

However, Green reportedly said he “was unaware of any bid interest by Mike Ashley”.

Green is due to give evidence on Wednesday to MPs probing the collapse of BHS and its £571m pension deficit.

However, the Topshop tycoon’s appearance seems to hang in the balance after he launched a fresh attack on the inquiry’s chairman, MP Frank Field, claiming he is “biased” and should resign.

In a letter, Green said he is “not prepared to participate” with the hearing unless Field stands down.

Separately, Ashley has been invited to give evidence to the BHS inquiry, but will only provide a written response.