Lloyds TSB and HBOS continue to be the frontrunners among the six potential bidders for First National Bank, the Abbey National subsidiary which includes First National Motor Finance, according to today's Financial Times.

Abbey National last month signalled that it is to sell each First National Bank element separately after failing to find a buyer for the job lot. As well as FNMF, First National comprises a mortgage business and Tricity Finance - the UK's largest hire purchase business.