London  - Britain's Barclays bank said Monday it was considering raising cash from shareholders through a rights issue, following a number of smaller banks which have taken that measure to overcome the credit squeeze.

Barclays' announcement came after it was reported over the weekend that the bank had been in talks with foreign investors to raise 4 billion pounds (8 billion dollars).

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has already raised 12 billion pounds through a rights issue while Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has said it wants to raise 4 billion pounds.

Barclays said it was "actively considering" selling new shares "by way of a placing and pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders."

"A further announcement will be made in the event that the board of Barclays decides to pursue such an equity issuance," the bank said. (dpa)