Shares in Ladbrokes were down on the FTSE 250 after the bookmaker confirmed it was in talks for a takeover of 888 Holdings.

Following press speculation Ladbrokes issued a statement in which it said it was in "very preliminary discussions" for 888,

However Ladbrokes stressed that there was no certainty that a final offer would be made nor was there any indication as to what form any potential offer might take.

By 10:05 shares in Ladbrokes were down 0.63 per cent on the FTSE 250 to 126.70 pence per share.

FTSE