Supermarket chain Asda is expected to press ahead with plans to take over a Poynton store.

It announced plans to buy Danish discount retailer Netto’s UK stores for £778million in May.

The deal is subject to the approval of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and a decision is expected within weeks.

Daniela Hardy, a spokesman for the chain, which hopes to take over the Park Lane store, said: "The purchase of Netto’s stores by Asda is still subject to approval by the OFT.

"We we don’t want to second-guess the OFT’s conclusions, but we’re working hard behind the scenes to plan our next steps.

"However, implementation of those plans depends on the OFT’s view of the agreement."

The chain says it would employ up to twice as many people as Netto, and the store could be fully converted by the middle of next year.

Commenting on the agreement, Asda’s president and chief executive Andy Clarke said: "We very much look forward to welcoming Netto’s colleagues into our business and joining our team.

"Customers will benefit from low prices on a significantly broader range of quality products, complemented by the wide range of services we offer in all our smaller stores.

"The creation of new in-store jobs in a tough economy will also be a welcome boost in scores of communities across the UK."

He said Asda’s move to acquire all Netto’s UK stores is a ‘key strategic building block’ in satisfying demand for the retailer in a much broader range of communities across the UK.

Mr Clarke also insisted it underlines Asda’s commitment to its smaller stores division.