Vodafone stays silent on AT&T bid

Vodafone Group PLC has declined to comment on a newspaper report that chief executive Arun Sarin is expected to recommend a $30-35bn (€23.40bn-€27.30bn) bid for AT&T Wireless in the coming days.

A Vodafone spokesperson said: "We have no comment. Our position has not changed, we are still exploring our options in the US."

Vodafone is understood to have resolved tax issues that would accompany a disposal of its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless, placing it in a better position to mount a bid for AT&T.

Under US regulations, Vodafone must divest its holding in Verizon Wireless if it gains control of another US mobile operator.

Internet news reports have said that the AT&T board is planning to meet on Saturday morning, the day after bids for the company are due.

The company's board may make a decision on which bid it prefers as early as this weekend.