Vodafone has been touted as a possible buyer of Phones4U, the high street mobile phone retailer.

It is thought the telecommuications and retail group is also interested in and TalkTalk, Charles Dunstone’s home phone and broadband group, the Telegraph reported.

Sources close to Providence Equity, the private equity owner of Phones4U, refused to rule out Vodafone as one of several unnamed suitors who have expressed interest in buying the 473-store chain. Others names in the ring include games retailer Game and Dixons, although sources close to the situation told Retail Week that any move from either retailer is unlikely.

Phones4u takeover speculation was sparked at the weekend when it was reported that Phones4U could be sold after its private equity owner received a number of takeover offers.

Providence bought Phones4U from founder John Caudwell in 2006 in a deal which transformed the former used car salesman into a billionaire.

Phones4U EBITDA is expected to come in at around £125m on sales of about £800m this year.

All three potential suitors and Providence refused to comment, according to the Telegraph.

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