The Royal Bank of Scotland-led consortium vying to buy ABN Amro is again holding detailed talks with the Dutch lender, underlining a thawing in relations between the sides.

Fortis, the smallest member of the consortium, confirmed yesterday that discussions were under way after the RBS-led group and ABN agreed to a constructive dialogue on Sunday.

The consortium, which also includes Spanish banking group Santander, is offering €70.7bn to carve up ABN. Its bid is higher than a rival offer by Barclays and includes more cash. The Dutch lender has taken a neutral stance, but Barclays is ABN’s management preferred partner.