AIB to choose bidder for Zachodni next wk -report

DUBLIN, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Allied Irish Banks (ALBK.I) is expected to select a preferred bidder for its 70 percent stake in Poland's Bank Zachodni WBK BZWB.WA early next week, The Irish Times newspaper reported on Thursday.

Final offers have been requested from Poland's largest lender PKO Bank Polski, Spain's Santander (SAN.MC) and France's BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) for submission for the end of this week, the newspaper reported, citing a source close to one of the parties.

Offers are thought to have been made in the range of 2.7 billion euros ($3.46 billion) to 2.9 billion euros.

AIB said last month it hoped to have a deal agreed for Zachodni by the end of this month.

Ireland's second-largest bank is selling its stake in Zachodni, its 22 percent stake in U.S. bank M&T (MT.N) and its UK business in an attempt to raise part of the 7.4 billion euros in additional capital requested by the Irish regulator. (Reporting by Carmel Crimmins; Editing by Mike Nesbit) ($1=.7812 euros)