Google looks to acquire Yahoo: rumors

The scenario on the ground for search engines seems like a three-way race, or rather, almost a two-way one: on one hand, there’s the possible sale of Yahoo, on the other hand, it appears that Google is about to join the negotiation table, where Microsoft.
has already been seated for some time. The news has all the flavor of a rumor: nothing official has leaked about this, nor is anything known about a formal purchase offer for Yahoo.
According to The Wall Street Journal, however, at least a couple of brokerage firms have been contacted to advance negotiations with Yahoo.
What does Google have to do with all this?
It seems the online search giant would be ready to indirectly finance part of the acquisition, while directly supporting a group interested in the deal.
This way, there would be two advantages:

1. to become part of the deal involving two companies strongly interested in the operation, which are currently Microsoft e and Alibaba, the Chinese operator;
2. to avoid antitrust authorities, who obviously would not look favorably upon a direct acquisition, as it would lay the groundwork for a monopoly in the sector.

Amidst all these rumors and hallway whispers, however, one important point remains to be clarified: despite the difficulties and the changes at Yahoo’s top management, is the company really for sale?
Jerry Yang, co-founder, denies any intention to start such a process.
An operation that might seem crazy in purely economic terms, given the “deep red” situation of Yahoo!’s accounts; despite this, it is still a competitor not to be underestimated, with its loyal users who – especially in the United States – represent a considerable number: we are talking about something like 700 million visitors, a huge number that would be appealing to anyone.
IfGooglecould in this way expand its already large market share,Microsoftfor its part could further consolidate the existing relationship withYahoo!, while also being able to aim for the official integration ofSkypeandfree callsin a new context.
In short, what appears certain is thatYahoocurrently seems to want to remain silent: perhaps because there is really no intention to sell, or rather because a misplaced statement could jeopardize what seem to be delicate negotiation terms?