A possible move by Scottish Radio Holdings to sell the Ireland On Sunday newspaper is not imminent, according to sources.

But it is understood that a number of parties are interested in the tabloid title which has a weekly circulation of just more than 57,000.

Associated Newspapers, which owns the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday, declined to comment yesterday on reports that it was in talks with Scottish Radio Holdings to buy the newspaper with the aim of merging with its own Sunday title to create a hybrid Irish version.

This would give Associated Newspapers a foothold in the Irish market.

Nor was there any comment from Ireland on Sunday.

Scottish Radio Holdings bought Ireland On Sunday last year for around £7.5 million (#9.5 million).

It is likely that it would seek to recoup this cost should it sell the newspaper.

Ireland On Sunday was launched in 1997 by former Meath GAA footballer Mr Liam Hayes and sports writer Mr Cathal Dervan.

It had originally started life as a sports newspaper called the Title.

It was relaunched as a tabloid in 1999.