intu properties plc (LSE:INTU) has revealed it is in talks with a major retail property investor. Intu, which is attempting to pay down its huge £5 billion debt pile, confirmed talks have taken place with Link Real Estate Investment Trust, following a report in the Sunday Times. Link and Intu held "constructive discussions", with biggest shareholder Peel Group also involved, the company added.

Bosses had already revealed plans to start raising money from shareholders and new investors at their annual results later this year.