The latest variation on the Microsoft-Yahoo theme comes courtesy of the Wall Street Journal, which is reporting that Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is looking for lab partners in some kind of Yahoo dissection. Microsoft has talked to News Corp (NYSE: NWS) and Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) about possible partnerships, says WSJ; no one seems to actually expect those chats to pan out. Then again, Yahoo is talking to AOL, too, says DJ sib Boomtown.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Confirms Powerset Acquisition

WSJ: “Some of the people familiar with these talks say they are preliminary and unlikely to result in a deal with Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO). Indeed, two weeks ago, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer called Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock to suggest they meet to discuss a new idea involving other partners, according to a person familiar with the matter. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, was subsequently canceled by Microsoft, which Yahoo took as a sign that Mr. Ballmer’s efforts to find a partner have so far failed.”

WSJ says Yahoo in the form of Bostock and indie board member Ron Burkle offered a sale for $33-34 per share in mid-May, weeks after this was all supposed to be over, but Microsoft said no. Lots of details in the article for failed deal gluttons.

Meanwhile, the two continue to date others: Yahoo has its deal with Google (NSDQ: GOOG), Microsoft is acquiring Powerset.