This news contrasts with earlier press reports that the Alexander Lebedev-owned free newspaper would increase its distribution from 600,000 to 800,000 this month.
According to sources, the most likely scenario is a leap in distribution in April, pending positive signs from the advertising market during January, February and March.
If the market is below expectations, the increase will be put off until later in the year.
Executives are also thought to be concerned about ramping up the paper's circulation in the immediate aftermath of dropping its midday News Extra edition.
From 4 January, the newspaper's first edition will be the West End Final, which hits the streets at 2pm.
In December, Independent News & Media disclosed it was in exclusive non-binding talks with Lebedev over the sale of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday.
INM said the period of exclusive talks with Lebedev over the future ownership of the two London-based papers runs until February 15.
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