Housebuilder Wilson Connolly's floundering share price has raised City speculation that it could be vulnerable to a takeover bid.
Wilcon's share price has been hovering at around 130p in recent days, but analysts say its net asset value per share is closer to 175p. "This would make it very attractive and vulnerable to a bigger rival to come in and take over," said one housing analyst.

City sources have tipped Wilson Bowden as a potential bidder but Building understands the group is not interested in Wilcon.

There is growing City pressure on the sector's larger firms to continue the consolidation drive started last year by Taylor Woodrow and Persimmon.

Redrow and Westbury have also made purchases in the last year, which means there are few firms left with access to the cash to fund such a big deal. However, Berkeley chief executive Tony Pidgley, who has repeatedly said he will not pay a premium for a firm, may be interested in Wilcon because it is so cheap.

Meanwhile, it has been suggested that Wimpey, which bought Alfred McAlpine Homes last summer, may be interested in buying Laing Homes. Building also understands that a management team led by Laing Homes managing director Steve Lidgate is still in the running.

However, it is believed that privately owned Scottish housebuilder and construction group Miller, which has previously been linked to Laing Homes, will not making a bid for the housebuilder.

Laing is refusing to comment on speculation that it is in talks to sell.