Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) has responded to the fresh rumblings from Icahn and Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), by saying that it’s been willing to enter into direct talks with Microsoft on a sale. It then notes that Microsoft previously signaled its lack of interest (even at the last offered price), and that it’s now looking to partner with Icahn as a way to win that search deal it still wants. The basic message: Enough with the games; just make an offer now and we’ll take it if it’s around the old price. The insinuation (and quite possibly correct) is that Microsoft really isn’t interested at all in an outright acquisition, whether it’s talking to the current board or Icahn’s board. It dangled that possibility in this morning’s announcement to get investors excited, but what it really wants is the search deal. Release.

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• Yahoo Fights For Its Board; Defends Handling Of Microsoft Deal And Says Google Is Better Partner
• Icahn: Still Waging Proxy Fight; Still Wants Microsoft Deal And Severance Plan Revoked
• Microsoft Offered $1 Billion For Yahoo Search; Plus $8 Billion Investment; Wanted 10-Year Exclusive