Speaking to the Financial Times, Zelnik said that he had held talks with Branson over a potential swoop for Virgin, which is currently owned by EMI.

Zelnik, who also owns French indie Naive, commented: "If Universal is ready to sell Virgin Records, then Richard Branson will support a transaction and support me in doing it. He wants Virgin to be in my hands."

Zelnik plans to merge Naive and Virgin if his wish to own the label - which may ...