A major retail giant could move into the Woolworths store after it closes for the last time today.

Marks & Spencer and Next are among retailers rumoured to be taking over the large shop on Eastgate Street.

But neither have yet confirmed their interest or whether any bids have been entered.

The administrators for Woolworths currently have control of the building and have held talks with other chains and supermarkets to take on the leases of around 300 stores across the country.

It also hopes to sell off the Ladybird children’s clothes and Chad Valley toys brands.

A spokesman said: “We are considering every offer that comes to the table.”

The Gloucester Woolworths store  has four floors and is situated within The Mall shopping centre.

Flanked on one side by Marks & Spencer, it is believed M&S bosses  may make a move to consolidate their two city stores into one.

And following the closure of Next in Northgate Street it is now rumoured the fashion store might be interested in the Woolies site.

But neither store will confirm a potential bid.

A spokesman for M&S said: “It is not something we are looking at for the moment. We are looking at different properties all the time but this is not something we have plans for.”

A spokeswoman for Next said: “We do not have any plans at present but if anything changes we will let people know.”

Neil Draper, The Mall’s centre manager, said despite the speculation it was impossible to say what would happen to the store next.

“It is really too early to say but they will be looking for a buyer,” he said.

“Some of the smaller Woolworths stores have been bought by other supermarket and retail chains but the one here is very big.

“It goes over four floors from the basement to the second floor making it a very big space so it really is impossible to say what will happen to it.”

But Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council,  said whatever happened he hoped it would be soon.

“The Woolworths in Gloucester is in a very prominent site and I would not want to see it empty for longer than it has to be,” he said.

“I am aware of a number of retailers who want to be represented in the city and this could be the opportunity to bring them on board.

“It is very sad to see Woolworths go and, particularly, sad for the people who have lost their jobs but hopefully an opportunity can be made from the situation.”