DEERFIELD, Ill. — According to various published reports in the U.K., Walgreens Boots Alliance may sell its Boots pharmacies to private equity firms.

The Sunday Times in London said Walgreens “received an acquisition approach from Bain Capital more than two months ago” and “is positioning itself as a leader in an upcoming auction for boots after months of due diligence.”

It’s the latest report on the future of Walgreens’ more than 2,000 Boots pharmacies. There were also reports that Walgreens is looking at other options for the Boots drugstore, including a possible spin-off into a separate company.