Leading UK developer TT Games is weeks away from closing a deal with a top publisher for the much sought after rights to its latest smash-hit-in-waiting Lego Batman.

The Cheshire-based firm has refused to name any of the title’s potential suitors, but has confirmed to MCV that it is in discussions with a multitude of high profile software publishers – and that it is keen to complete a deal by November.

Companies eager to sign the title are likely to include new kid on the block Warner Bros, which owns the rights to the wider Batman licence and looks set to acquire many recognisable games from studios.

LucasArts is also an obvious front-runner, following its successful distribution of Lego Star Wars II. Eidos has equally good reason to bid, after successfully handling the original Lego Star Wars – and missing out on its sequel.

“We’re in continual discussions with publishers who we think might be interested in distributing the title – but we haven’t got close to signing yet,” TT Games boss Tom Stone told MCV.

“We’re really looking for pen to be put to paper by November time – certainly before Christmas. That would give us the break we would need for a successful launch at the end of 2008.”