Express and Mail hold 'informal talks'

The chairman of media group Daily Mail & General Trust, Lord Rothermere, was reported to have held "informal" talks with owner Richard Desmond about buying Express Newspapers.

It is understood Desmond and Rothermere discussed the idea earlier this year and that further talks "may be held within the next few weeks", although "no concrete negotiations" are under way yet.

The possible change of direction follows Desmond's move into mainstream television with the acquisition of Channel Five last September in a 100 million deal.