The site, next to The Trumpet pub in Wellingborough Road, was formerly home to a Saab dealership and the Evans Halshaw Citroen garage, but has stood empty since mid-2007.

The site – which at one time was home to Westonia Fisheries – is now in the process of being flattened by bulldozers.

The German-owned supermarket firm is in talks with Northampton Borough Council and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation about submitting a planning application.

Aldi property director John Neale said: "We intend to start public consultations shortly, with the hope of submitting a full planning application by summer 2009.

"Aldi has seen great success at its other Northampton store on Harlestone Road, but the new store to the east of the town will give customers who previously had to travel a more convenient location to do their shopping."

The new store would be less than a mile from the Tesco Extra and Lidl budget supermarket, both based at the Weston Favell Shopping Centre.