The US company Western Wireless expects to complete the sale of its Irish mobile operator Meteor within just six weeks.

The company has appointed Deutsche Bank as adviser to sell its European mobile operations, which include Meteor. Eircom is already involved in detailed talks with Western Wireless about purchasing Meteor, although it is believed that no deal is agreed.

It emerged last week that Western Wireless has also received interest from a number of other potential suitors.

These include private equity firms seeking to make a financial investment in the Irish mobile market.

Media reports have also linked telecoms entrepreneur Denis O'Brien to a potential bid for Meteor. However, a spokesman for Mr O'Brien would not confirm whether his client is interested in Meteor yesterday.

Eircom remains the strong favourite to buy Meteor and has been stalking the company for almost a year. It is understood the firm's chief financial officer, Peter Lynch, is leading the firm's takeover discussions.

Industry sources speculated yesterday that Eircom would consider spending up to €350 million to acquire Meteor, which currently has 10 per cent market share. It is understood Western Wireless wants to raise up to €400 million from any deal.

Western Wireless, which itself is being acquired by the US firm Alltel, will have to get the agreement of Alltel for any deal that it reaches for the sale of Meteor.

In a statement last night a Western Wireless spokesman said the firm had been contacted by a number of financial and strategic parties about the possible sale of its international assets.

"Deutsche Bank has been asked to respond to these unsolicited enquiries about its international businesses and proposals on some properties are expected later this month," he added.