M&S bosses have said they are in talks with a "potential partner" about the future of the Art Deco building housing the under threat Sauchiehall Street branch.

As exclusively revealed by the Glasgow Times tonight, Marks and Spencer told staff today that the Glasgow city centre branch could close as soon as April.

The firm owns the historic building in which the department store has operated since 1935.

According to management, the company is aiming to ensure a "complementary alternative use" for the building.  

READ MORE: M&S Sauchiehall Street 'to close' under new proposals

David Bates, M&S retail manager, said: “We want to make sure our existing site finds a complementary alternative use for the area, and we are in discussions with a potential partner. 

"We will keep the community and key stakeholders updated as these developments progress.”

A spokeswoman added that the discussions are commercially sensitive and no more detail can be given at this point.

M&S announced new proposals for the store earlier today, bringing bad news for the beleaguered shopping street.

Mr Bates said in an earlier statement that "changing shopping habits" were to blame for the proposed closure and investment would be made in the Argyle Street branch instead.

A spokeswoman for the company said M&S will work to ensure that as many staff as possible can be offered alternative roles within the firm.