There is speculation that the chairman of supermarket giant Sainsbury's could succeed Sir Tom McKillop as head of the Royal Bank of Scotland board.
Sir Philip Hampton is being lined up to become the new chairman of the beleaguered Edinburgh-based bank, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Directors are said to be considering a list of potential candidates including Sir Philip, also chairman of UK Financial Investments Limited (UKFI).
UKFI is the company set up to manage the Government's stake in RBS and other banks subscribing to its recapitalisation fund.
Mr McKillop announced his retirement after ministers revealed plans for a £37 billion banking bail-out last year.
Former RBS chief executive Sir Fred Goodwin also stood down and was replaced by Stephen Hester.
RBS and Sainsbury's said they would not comment on any speculation.
Sir Philip was appointed Sainsbury's chairman in July 2004, earning a salary of £395,000 in 2007/8, according to the retailer's website.
Before joining the supermarket he held the position of group finance director at Lloyds TSB and BT.
Reports suggest that an announcement on the new RBS appointment could be made within a week.
