OK! publisher Northern & Shell is believed to have joined the race to buy Express Newspapers.
The magazine publisher is reported to be close to striking a deal with United News & Media. Chairman Richard Desmond believes the acquisition would raise the stakes ahead of the company's planned flotation.
The Hinduja brothers were the previous front runners with a bid said to be worth around £120 million. The Daily Mail & General Trust and Daily Telegraph publisher Hollinger International have also expressed interest but, as rival publishers, would have to make a hefty payment for access to Express Newspapers' books.
Late last week a consortium including Chris Evans and Lord Waheed Alli was rumoured to be interested in the Daily Star.
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