Naspers, the South African-based media group, has emerged as a surprise potential buyer of Tradus, the eastern European internet auction group formerly known as QXL Ricardo.

In November Tradus, which was capitalised at about £760m ($1.5bn) on Friday, said it had received a preliminary approach from an unnamed group. Neither party commented yesterday, but it is understood bid talks with Naspers are advanced and an agreement could be reached before Christmas.