Skype keeps schtum on eBay takover rumour

VoIP pioneer Skype was refusing to comment on Thursday on claims that it is in talks with eBay over a possible takeover.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the internet auction site is considering paying up to $3bn (£2bn) for Skype, although talks are said to be at an early stage.

A Skype spokeswoman explained the company was not commenting on these rumours, while eBay also told reporters it wouldn't comment on rumour and speculation.

The Skype client, which allows users to make calls over the internet, has been downloaded more than 162 million times. This popularity has attracted the attention of many of the world's largest companies; Intel recently teamed up with Skype, and Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation was recently reported to be in talks about a possible takeover.

Graeme Wearden writes for ZDNet UK