Tough times ahead for the Yahoo board it seems. After having its offer of $47.5bn to buyout Yahoo turned down, Microsoft has announced that it is considering a new deal with Yahoo. The details of this agreement are still not clear although it looks as if Microsoft won't attempt a hostile takeover bid of the internet giant.

Last week, billionaire investor Carl Icahn tried unsuccessfully to oust Yahoo's board following the failed merger with Microsoft. Icahn's move followed heavy criticism of Yahoo's decision to reject the software giant's lucrative offer, with chief executive Jerry Yang the target of shareholders' ire.

Now Yahoo have confirmed that they will consider any new offers made by Microsoft "with a focus on maximising stockholder value". A deal with Microsoft could save the current Yahoo board's bacon with Mr Icahn accumulating shares in an attempt to oust them.