Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg is considering entering the race for the US Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
The ex-New York City mayor is concerned the current field of candidates is not good enough to beat Donald Trump in the 2020 election, an adviser says.
The 77-year-old is expected to file paperwork on Friday for the Democratic presidential primary in Alabama.
However, he has not yet made a decision on whether to run, advisers add.
If Mr Bloomberg does indeed get on the ballot in Alabama, he will still have to register in other states which have later filing deadlines.
A total of 17 Democratic candidates are vying to take on President Trump.
Former Vice-President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders are the frontrunners.
Some recent opinion polls have suggested that Ms Warren and Mr Sanders – who are regarded to the left of Mr Biden politically – might lose against Republican Mr Trump if either won the party’s nomination.
So far, three Republicans have said they will challenge Mr Trump in the party’s primary contest.
But it is seen as almost impossible that anyone will take the Republican mantle from the president.
What did Bloomberg’s adviser say?
In a statement, Howard Wolfson said: “We now need to finish the job and ensure that Trump is defeated.
“But Mike is increasingly concerned that the current field of candidates is not well positioned to do that.
“Based on his record of accomplishment, leadership and his ability to bring people together to drive change, Mike would be able to take the fight to Trump and win,” Mr Wolfson said.
