San Francisco - Microsoft is in talks to buy a stake in the Facebook online social network that could see the company valued at over $10 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The potential deal could give Microsoft an up to 5% stake in Facebook, which sources valued at roughly $300 million to $500 million.

Google has also expressed interest in investing in Facebook, The Journal reported, adding that discussions are preliminary and Facebook may opt not to accept investments from either company.

Microsoft signed an exclusive deal with Facebook last year to provide online advertising on the social network, which claims over 40 million users.

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