WASHINGTON (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co JPM.N is in advanced discussions to acquire Washington Mutual Inc WM.N, a source familiar with the discussions said on Friday.

“They are in advanced talks,” the source told Reuters.

The source said the sensitive talks had been going on for some time and JPMorgan had conducted a lot of due diligence into Washington Mutual.

Thursday’s downgrade of Washington Mutual by Moody’s Investors Service helped advance the discussions between the two companies, the source said.

Washington Mutual spokesman Brad Russell did not immediately return a call seeking comment and JPMorgan spokeswoman Tasha Pelio declined to comment.