Global Radio is blocking GCap's sale of its stake in national DAB multiplex Digital One, according to a report.

The Charles Allen-chaired company hopes to take over GCap and is currently in negotiations.

Under City rules the sale may be blocked if it affects the strategy of the potential buyer.

It was a key part of plans from Fru Hazlitt, the firm's current chief executive, to improve performance. She proposed cutting costs by closing two national DAB stations and returning its share of Digital One to partner Arqiva.

Global's rumoured decision to halt the sale may suggest it is more committed to DAB, which has been strongly defended by others involved including Channel 4 and the BBC.

Former ITV chief Allen previously criticised Hazlitt for failing to suggest other areas for growth though he has not commented directly on DAB.

Of her plans, which were aimed at averting the Global takeover, he said: "It seemed not to answer the question of, 'If DAB is not your digital strategy, what is?’"