Turnaround specialist Gordon Brothers Europe has emerged as a front runner in the contest for the remaining UK stores of the troubled high street chain Blockbuster.

Administrators to the DVD and computer game rental shop, Deloitte are understood to be seriously considering the offer which would involve the purchase of around 275 of the 528 outlets dotted across the UK.

Deloitte has previously earmarked 293 stores at the DVD retailer for closure, with the intention of leaving a "profitable core which is capable of being sold", but it is thought that some of these could now be included in the deal floated by Gordon Brothers.

Stiff competition from internet-based providers, as well as the shift towards digital streaming of movies and games contributed significantly to the pressure which led Blockbuster to fall into administration at the beginning of this year.

In February it was announced that Supermarket chain Morrisons planned to turn the 49 stores it took ownership of into convenience stores.

Gordon Brothers stepped in last month, to assist Ernst & Young in its efforts as administrator to find a buyer for the collapsed fashion retailer Republic.