NEW buyers to save Liverpool discount chain TJ Hughes could be in place as early as today, the Daily Post can reveal.

Possible buyers for the iconic Liverpool retail group have opened talks with the current owners as the clock continues to tick on a bid to strike a rescue deal.

Representatives of TJs owner, Leeds-based private equity firm Endless, said they were hopeful of a solution, having filed notice this Monday in a Leeds court of appointing an administrator, due to poor trading at the group over the past year.

They declined to comment further, but the Daily Post understands that a selection of prospective buyers interested in the London Road-based chain have already made contact with Endless and that talks are now under way.

The fact that several retailers have approached Endless will raise hopes among TJs’ 4,000-strong workforce throughout its 57-store estate that a deal to protect or save jobs could be close.

By filing an intention to appoint an administrator Endless was granted a 10-day period that protects it from any claims by creditors.

It now has seven days to go before that period of protection runs out.