Martin Sorrell, who stepped down just six weeks ago as chief executive of WPP – the world's biggest advertising group – is attempting a comeback through a new marketing company, Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Sorrell will announce that he is to become chairman of a little-known financial holding company, Derriston Capital, and use it to build a "next-generation marketing services group", the broadcaster said.

Derriston, which was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2016, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Sky News, citing an unnamed source close to the transaction, said that Derriston would acquire S4 Capital, an entity controlled by Sorrell, and that Sorrell would put £40 million ($53 million) of his own money into the venture.