Following the news that JD Sports plans to incorporate a JD Gym into its major Newcastle store, retail and health club rival Sports Direct is eager to not be outdone and will reportedly also incorporate branded gyms above three new stores.

The retail giant's new gym chain – sportsdirectfitness.com – has made waves since its high-profile entrance to the health club market in June, rapidly acquiring 13 sites, many of which are former LA fitness sites put up for sale as part of the chain’s company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

And now, according to an unamed source quoted by the Sunday Express, sportsdirectfitness.com gyms will be included this Autumn above three new stores in Aintree, St Helens and Keighley.

"Fitness clubs are complementary to Sports Direct's retail offering and make sense. If the first ones perform well, there could be scope for more openings. Monthly membership will be priced competitively," the source was quoted as saying.

Health Club Management understands that a series of announcements are expected from Sports Direct in the next couple of weeks with regards to its gym chain expansion.

The company is thought to be interested in the potential for synergy between gyms and its existing retail operations. Sports Direct has over 600 sports stores in Europe, including 400 in the UK and also owns sports brands such as Dunlop, Everlast and Slazenger.

The sports group, founded by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, announced a 15 per cent rise in annual pre-tax profits last week – taking them to £239.5m for the year to 17 April 2014. Total group sales were also on the increase to £2.7bn, a 23.8 per cent rise on the same period last year.