Retailer Game has confirmed it is among 50 potential suitors circling collapsed music entertainment chain HMV.

Game, which was bought out of administration itself last April, has approached HMV administrators Deloitte with an interest in buying a number of shops in order to boost its estate.

It did not reveal how many shops it was interested in, but reports suggest it could bid for up to 45 in locations it does not yet have a presence.

Deloitte said it had received expressions of interest from around 50 parties, including from other retailers, private equity firms and wealthy individuals.

HMV hit the wall after suffering dismal Christmas sales. But chief executive Trevor Moore said he was confident management could still secure a future for the 92-year-old firm.