Thousands of jobs are at risk as part of a Poundland rescue deal that could trigger sweeping store closures across the UK.
The frontrunners for the takeover of the beleaguered budget retailer have reportedly identified around 200 loss-making shops that may be shut down.
Poundland, which employees 15,000 people across 825 stores, has seen its financial fortunes plummet in recent months.
And industry sources cited by The Telegraph suggested that Poundland is now unlikely to 'survive without a large number of store closures', in another blow for the UK high street.
It comes as reports emerged this morning that the discount chain could be sold for a nominal fee of 'effectively £1'.
