Image: Powerleague has entered the race for Goals

Patron Sports Holding, the owner of five-a-side football facility operator Powerleague, has confirmed it is considering a takeover approach for rival group Goals Soccer Centres.

Yesterday (2 July), it was reported by the Telegraph that Patron had started to carry out due diligence with a view to submitting a bid for the East Kilbride-based group.

Patron has now announced it is "currently considering its options" with regards to Goals Soccer Centres, but said there was no guarantee that it will be making a takeover approach for the business.

A spokesperson for Goals Soccer Centres added: "The company confirms that it has received an approach from Patron that may or may not lead to an offer being made."

Goals Soccer Centres has been subject to an approach from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, the Canada-based pension fund, which was first announced in April.

The fund has been granted three extensions and currently has until 9 July to reveal whether it intends to make an offer under Rule 2.6(c) of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

Details: www.londonstockexchange.com (Patron Statement)

Details: www.goalsplc.com (Goals Statement)