Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Money and Resolution, owner of Friends Provident, are also thought to be interested.
Clydesdale owner National Australia Bank and Santander, which has snapped up UK banks Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley in recent years, are the two front runners for the 300-strong estate.
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Money and Resolution, owner of Friends Provident, are also thought to be interested.