Mike Ashley is resurrecting plans for a move into consumer lending, as he struggles to seize control of Debenhams and seeks new sources of growth for his Sports Direct empire.
The retailer is said to be envious of fashion giant Next’s credit arm, which has 2.5m customers and has played a major role in expansion.
Chris Wootton, Ashley’s deputy finance chief, said credit for shoppers was “on the agenda” at Sports Direct.
