Amazon is hoping to capitalise on the turmoil on the high street as it circles Homebase stores in a bid to expand its delivery empire.

The internet retailer has emerged as an aggressive bidder for a tranche of stores Homebase is looking to offload through a sweeping restructure of its business, sources have said.

The troubled DIY chain plans to close 42 of its 241 sites through an insolvency process known as a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), a tactic adopted by a raft of troubled retailers this year.

Such an approach would help Amazon overcome challenges in the property market.

The shortage of warehouse stock in the UK means retailers in need of warehouses are being forced to look at alternative properties. Homebase stores are also located in ­urban areas, making it easier to deliver goods to customers more quickly.

Amazon launched its one-hour ­delivery service in the UK in 2015, starting in London, and has since rolled it out to other areas.