For sale, whether it likes it
or not

Reuters reports Google CEO Eric Schmidt has contacted CEO Jerry Yang to offer support against Microsoft's bid for Yahoo.

Though it is unlikely to purchase Yahoo on its own, Google may counterbid just to force Microsoft to pay more. Sources say Microsoft is seeking financing to help support its existing $44.6 billion bid, should Yahoo agree to it.

Google may also fund an effort to make Yahoo a private company again, according to ZDNet's Between the Lines. This move may drive Yahoo's new owners to outsource search to Google.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, defended Microsoft's acquisition, stating the deal will yield a strong number two competitor in search and online advertising.

Google currently culls 75 percent of paid search revenue worldwide.