MADRID, April 30 (Reuters) - Spanish bank BBVA wants to explore possibilities for a potential merger with smaller rival Sabadell, it said on Tuesday, confirming an earlier report from a Sky News reporter.

BBVA said in a statement it had appointed advisers for the possible operation.

A spokesperson for Sabadell said earlier there was "nothing on our side" about any moves by BBVA. (Reporting by Jesus Aguado and Inti Landauro)