(Telecompaper) BT said it has received expressions of interest from shareholders in two UK mobile network operators, one of which is O2, about a possible acquisition of their UK mobile business. Noting recent press speculation about a potential bid for O2 UK, BT said all discussions are very preliminary and there is no certainty that any transaction will occur. BT said that while it was continuing to develop its own plans to provide enhanced mobile services to businesses and consumers, in line with previous announcements, it has also been exploring ways of accelerating them, including considering the merits of acquiring a UK operator. The company said it will make a further announcement if and when appropriate. Spanish website El Confidencial was told by unnamed sources that Telefonica was in talks to sell its O2 mobile operations in the UK to BT in exchange for a 20 percent stake in BT. The deal would be part of a strategic alliance to create a giant European operator able to compete with AT&T, they said.