The parent company of The Daily Mail is in talks to table a possible takeover bid for Yahoo Inc.

It is working with a number of private equity firms according to reports in the Wall Street Journal.

The bid could take two forms according to the WSJ report, the first being a private-equity partner acquiring Yahoo’s core web business with The Daily Mail taking control of its news and media properties.

Alternatively, a private-equity firm could acquire Yahoo’s core business and merge its media and news interests with the Daily Mail's highly-successful online offerings.

"Given the success of DailyMail.com and Elite Daily we have been in discussions with a number of parties who are potential bidders [for Yahoo]," the company said, adding, "Discussions are at a very early stage and that there is no certainty that any transaction will take place."

Bids for the internet giant are due on April 18th - Time Inc is also working with a private equity firm and considering tabling an offer according to Reuters - as is Verizon, the US communication company.