A host of potential consortium partners have this week been linked to Spanish contractor Ferrovial's possible bid for airport operator BAA.

Ferrovial has stated that it is interested in making an approach for BAA, which could be valued at £15bn, including debt. The Singapore government and Canadian fund manager Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec are understood to have contacted Ferrovial over possible roles in a bidding consortium for the airport operator. Investor John Laing has also been linked to the bid.

Ferrovial is thought to be assessing the potential structure of a bid consortium after being forced by the UK takeover panel to declare its interest in BAA last week.

Contractor Carillion this week refused to comment on "market speculation" linking it to Spanish bank Santander, which owns the bank Abbey.