Sports Direct is understood to have secured a package of stores from rival JJB Sports.

Several JJB stores in locations such as Wolverhampton and London’s Wood Green have closed in the past month and reopened as Sports Direct.

JJB is reviewing the future of as many as 70 of its 420-strong portfolio, although the retailer declined to comment on any disposals to Sports Direct.

One source said: “JJB suffered with the wet weather last summer and England’s failure to qualify for the European Championships, and competitor Sports Direct is a category killer in the areas in which it operates. JJB is likely to concentrate on its health club business, while Sports Direct continues with its high street and out-of-town expansion.”

JJB said last month that it will re-energise its stores and increase the number and profitability of its health club shops with the proceeds of the£17.4 million sale of its Soccer Domes division.

JJB opened a new-format store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre earlier this year but, as yet, has not confirmed any roll out plans.

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