Mace is in exclusive talks over a deal to build London Bridge Place, the 17-storey companion tower to the Shard

It is understood that Mace, which is already building the £425m Shard, is negotiating with developer Sellar and its Qatari backers over a deal, which would avoid the need for the developer to go out to open tender.

Under the deal, Mace would build the tower for a fixed price, thought to be in the region of £120m-£130m. It is understood that the scheme’s Qatari investors held meetings in London last week to discuss the deal.

Sources close to the situation said a deal was likely to be struck. One said: “They haven’t given it to Mace yet but are proceeding with the intention of reaching an agreement.”

Early demolition work began at the end of last year on the project, which is part of the £2bn London Bridge Quarter.

However, it is understood that Mace will miss out on the Milton Court scheme, now known as the Heron, near London’s Barbican. Sir Robert MacAlpine is expected to be confirmed as the contractor within the next fortnight. It is understood it put forward a price of about £135m, about £15m lower than other bidders.

A Heron spokesperson said: “Discussions are ongoing but we are not in a position to confirm anything until such a time as a final conclusion is reached.”