Corriere della Sera reported at the weekend the US giant was considering a move for Italy’s beleaguered flag carrier in partnership with easyJet, which has also reportedly had designs on Alitalia.

Both airlines made bids for Alitalia late last year as the Italian government continues to seek a buyer for the country’s bankrupt national carrier.

The paper, citing sources close to Italy’s national rail operator Ferrovie della Stato, which has been conducting negotiations with regards tp Alitalia’s affairs, said a partner could be announced on Wednesday (February 13) at a board meeting.

Air France-KLM is understood to have backed away from fresh investment Alitalia, despite interest last year, while Lufthansa is reportedly monitoring the situation.

Alitalia was, until last July, part of Delta’s transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic.