HIGH street retailer Debenhams is opening its stores to Sports Direct.

The company will launch outlets in Debenhams’ shops in London and Portsmouth, with more openings expected later this year.

The move comes after Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley bought a five per cent share in the department store, before replacing it with 6.6 per cent option on its stock.

The deal means billionaire Mr Ashley is able to influence the firm without buying shares outright.

Debenhams is also trailing Costa coffee outlets in its stores.

The company revealed the plans in a trading update for the 15 weeks to June 14, when total sales increased by 1.6 per cent.

Earlier this week, Mr Ashley bought a stake in retailer MySale.

The group has taken a bought a 4.8 per cent chunk in the online business, which sells fashion and beauty products at discount prices.

Debenhams previously confirmed it has no plans to open a branch in Darlington, after being linked with a move into the offices of The Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times, in Priestgate.

However, a spokesman confirmed in April the town was not on its list of 14 stores it plans to open across the UK in the coming years.