Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has written to BHS administrators in a final attempt to save part of the collapsed chain.

“We can confirm that we have a continued interest in BHS and that we have written to the administrator seeking to re-open a dialogue about saving a number of jobs and stores along with the BHS name” a Sports Direct spokesman said.

The announcement follows the retailer’s official fall into administration after failing to find a suitable buyer earlier this month.

While the email expressed Ashley’s interest in parts of the business, it was not an official offer. The email was sent from the sports retailer on Friday, administrators are yet to comment.

It is understood that administrators Duff & Phelps will be responding to Sports Direct today requesting a formal bid.

The retail tycoon confirmed his intentions to buy BHS prior to its collapse in his hearing before MPs and the Business Select Committee last week.

“One hundred percent I wanted to buy BHS. It’s a logical fit with Sports Direct because of the extreme value that Sports Direct is known for” Ashley declared.

“I’m not a saint, but you could have made a success of that business.”