Cerberus Capital Management, the US distressed debt and private equity firm that is taking over carmaker Chrysler, is eyeing a bid for a UK leisure chain in financial trouble, according to a source close to the situation.

Cerberus, which also provides asset-backed loan financing to indebted companies, is understood to be one of more than 20 potential bidders for Esporta, a chain of fitness clubs previously owned by UK private equity firm Duke Street Capital.