The Clydesdale Bank declined to comment yesterday on reports that it could be sold by Cameron Clyne, the new chief executive of parent company National Australia Bank.

THE Clydesdale Bank declined to comment yesterday on reports that it could be sold by Cameron Clyne, the new chief executive of parent company National Australia Bank.

Clyne, who formally took up the post on January 1, is taking the customary path of new executives by casting an eye over all parts of the business, sparking speculation that he might forsake businesses in more mature markets such as the UK to plough cash into expanding into faster-growing regions such as Asia.

But industry insiders note any sale could be hindered by alack of buyers of sufficient financial strength.

Ken Murray, chairman of fund manager Blue Planet, said: "These types of banks are worth most to those banks that could make cost savings. Therefore the Clydesdale is of more interest to Royal Bank of Scotland, HBOS or Lloyds TSB but it isn't going to happen with them."

Murray suggested Santander, owner of Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley, might eye up the Clydesdale were it put on the market, despite having to raise funds from investors itself last year.

"With Santander it might just happen. They might see fit to excise some costs and gain more of a presence in Scotland."